Five African Migrants, Including Two Nigerians, Arrested Over Alleged 72-Hour Assault of Tourist in Rome

Italian authorities have arrested five African migrants, including two Nigerian nationals, over the alleged abduction and sexual assault of a female tourist in Rome.

The victim, a 32-year-old woman from Colombia, arrived in the Italian capital on May 9, 2026. According to investigators, she was dining alone near Rome's Termini Station when she was approached by a man who allegedly persuaded her to accompany him under the pretext of purchasing hashish.

After walking for about 30 minutes, the woman reportedly arrived at a van where she was allegedly abducted and taken to an abandoned building in the Tor Cervara area on the eastern outskirts of Rome.

Police allege that the building was occupied by several undocumented migrants and that five men held the woman captive for approximately 72 hours. During that period, she was reportedly drugged, threatened, and repeatedly sexually assaulted. The suspects are also accused of stealing her mobile phone and wallet.

The woman eventually escaped and was found in a distressed condition by an Italian man, who took her to Casilino Hospital. Medical examinations reportedly revealed signs consistent with physical violence and possible drugging.

The case prompted an urgent investigation by Italy's Flying Squad Section IV, leading to a coordinated police operation involving forensic officers, local police units, and immigration authorities.

The suspects arrested have been identified as Saidykhan Lamin, 29, and Karamba Kanteh, 38, both from Gambia; Harouna Traore, 43, from Mali; and Nigerian nationals Isibor Wisdom, 29, and Paul Nwabueze, 39.

They have been charged with gang rape, with prosecutors alleging that they exploited the victim's vulnerable condition. The suspects remain in custody pending further identification procedures and legal proceedings.

Authorities are also investigating the possible involvement of three additional individuals, including the man who allegedly lured the victim away from the restaurant, the driver who transported her to the building, and the owner of the abandoned property.

During the raid, police identified and detained 22 undocumented non-EU migrants living at the location. Several were issued deportation orders and transferred to immigration detention facilities.

Investigators say the victim later identified the alleged attackers through a photographic lineup. The investigation remains ongoing, including inquiries into the alleged kidnapping, robbery, and unlawful detention.