Police in Ondo State have arrested multiple suspects across two major human trafficking operations, rescuing victims and uncovering a transnational crime network. Authorities are now warning property owners to screen tenants or face legal consequences.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, announced the breakthrough on Saturday. It followed a report from a Togolese national who escaped after being lured to Nigeria with a fake job offer in Canada. He was held captive after paying a large sum of money.
A swift police operation led to the arrest of six suspects, including the landlord of the property used for the illegal activity. Three victims were rescued during the raid.
In a separate but linked case, police uncovered a transnational syndicate. They arrested a man alleged to be at the center of cross-border crimes, including trafficking and modern slavery. Eleven individuals from Chad, identified as illegal immigrants, were found living in a duplex in Akure.
Police say all suspects are in custody. The rescued foreign nationals will be handed to their embassies for repatriation. Investigators are also searching for a landlord in Ibadan connected to one of the properties.
The State Commissioner of Police issued a strong warning to landlords, urging vigilance and proper tenant checks to prevent properties from being used for crime. He stated that negligence could lead to legal action
