Ondo police nab 10 Beninese in trafficking crackdown

The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended 10 nationals from the Republic of Benin in connection with an illegal human trafficking operation uncovered in Akure, the state capital.
The arrests took place on July 31, 2025, following a targeted police operation on Oda Road.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Lawal Adebowale, who disclosed the arrest to reporters on Sunday, identified the suspects as Atouh Joel, Mohamed Amidou, Saibou Akateliwe, Abdul Jahao, and Ndah Severin, among others. He revealed that the individuals had either entered Nigeria with expired passports or without any valid travel documents at all.

According to Adebowale, “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.” The CP added that their actions amounted to criminal conspiracy and violation of immigration laws.

The suspects allegedly trafficked a 29-year-old Congolese man, Nzaou Yelica Christ-Olse, into Nigeria under false pretences. “He was deceived under the pretence of receiving assistance to start an online business and was later abandoned by the group upon arrival,” the CP explained.

Further investigations suggested that the victim had no knowledge of the true nature of his relocation, and did not consent to the move. This, according to authorities, constitutes a serious breach of Nigeria’s anti-trafficking and immigration laws.

“The case has since been transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for comprehensive investigation and prosecution,” Adebowale confirmed.

The police also assured the public that the victim is now safe and under government care. “The victim is in the custody of the authorities and receiving appropriate support,” the CP stated.

Commissioner Adebowale urged residents of the state to remain vigilant and provide actionable intelligence that could aid law enforcement. “We reaffirm our resolve to provide a safe and secure environment for all residents through lawful, ethical, and responsive policing,” he concluded.