The Ondo State Police Command has rescued 15
young women who were allegedly being sexually exploited by a sex
trafficking syndicate operating in Akure, the state capital.
According to the Command, the victims — aged between
20 and 26 — were deceived with false promises of lucrative
employment, including domestic work, ushering jobs, and overseas placements.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects posed
as content creators producing “relationship videos” on social media. In
reality, the victims were coerced into sending nude photos and videos,
which were then distributed to clients seeking sexual services.
In a statement on Sunday, the Police Public
Relations Officer, Olusola Ayanlade, said operatives of the Special
Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit arrested one Jayeola Joshua of
Alagbaka, Akure, along with two accomplices, while efforts were ongoing
to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
“Evidence indicates that the apartment was
specifically rented to facilitate these activities,” Ayanlade said, adding that
the landlords of the property have been invited for questioning
as part of the investigation.
The rescued girls have since been taken to the Police
Hospital, Akure, where they are receiving medical attention,
psychological evaluation, and counseling.
The police spokesperson described the operation as a
significant step in combating human trafficking and sexual exploitation
in the state.
“In line with a victim-centered approach, the
Commissioner of Police has directed that the case be transferred to the
Command’s Gender Desk for further investigation and reintegration of the
victims into society,” Ayanlade added.
He said the Commissioner of Police had also
ordered that all arrested suspects be prosecuted without delay,
reiterating the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking.
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