10 Benin Republic nationals arrested in Ondo for human trafficking, illegal entry
Story by Jessica Mbamah
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 10 individuals from the Republic of Benin for allegedly trafficking a Congolese man and entering Nigeria illegally. The suspects were apprehended on July 31, 2025, on Oda Road in Akure, the state capital.
The police identified the suspects as Atouh Joel, Mohamed Amidou, Saibou Akateliwe, Abdul Jahao, Ndah Severin, Kumpori Ruth, Kumpori Martin, Tatiana Dianne, Martias Sossa, and Ndapola Oba Giov.
According to the state police command, the group smuggled themselves into Nigeria, with some members having expired passports and others lacking any valid travel documents. The investigation revealed that they had conspired to illegally traffic 29-year-old Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse, a Congolese national.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Lawal Adebowale, stated that Nzaou was lured with false promises of support to start an online business and was then abandoned after he arrived.
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“On July 31, 2025, at about 20.30 pm, operatives of the command apprehended 10 foreign nationals at their respective residences along Oda Road, Akure,” Adebowale said. “These individuals were discovered to have illegally smuggled themselves into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin. Some of them had expired passports, while others had no valid travel documents whatsoever.”
“Investigations revealed that these suspects criminally conspired to bring one Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse (male, 29 years, Congolese) into Nigeria without his consent. The victim was deceived under the pretence of receiving assistance to start an online business. He was later abandoned by the group upon arrival,” the commissioner added.
Adebowale noted that the suspects’ actions violate Nigeria’s immigration and anti-trafficking laws. The case has been transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for further investigation and prosecution.
“The victim is safe, in the custody of the authorities, and receiving appropriate support,” the commissioner said. “The command will continue to count on the support, vigilance, and credible information from the good people of Ondo State. We reaffirm our resolve to provide a safe and secure environment for all residents through lawful, ethical, and responsive policing.”
READ ALSO: Human Trafficking Crackdown: NAPTIP, DIA nab 3 suspects, rescue 20 foreign nationals
Adebowale also urged the public to provide useful information to help in the fight against crime.
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