The net has tightened in Ibadan as operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, picked up a 28-year-old housewife over alleged involvement in human trafficking.
In a statement released to journalists on Saturday in Ibadan, the Command’s spokesperson, Mr Samuel Opebiyi, disclosed that the suspect’s husband—believed to be her partner in crime—has gone underground, with efforts underway to track him down.
According to Opebiyi, the woman and her husband are accused of trafficking a 17-year-old girl to Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) for prostitution. He said the suspect was arrested on Jan. 22, following a complaint lodged by the victim’s sister at the command’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit on Jan. 20.
Preliminary findings, Opebiyi noted, suggest the offence dates back to Nov. 25, 2025, when the couple allegedly pulled the strings that moved the victim out of the country to Libya for prostitution.
“While investigations into the full details and network of the illicit operation are still ongoing, the Command confirmed that the victim was allegedly lured with false promises before being trafficked abroad.
“NSCDC, Oyo State Command, further established that the victim was brought into contact with the alleged syndicate through one Rodiat, an apprentice at the suspect’s shop, where she sells shoes, bags and other accessories, located within Ifeleye, Ogunpa Market, Ibadan,
“The victim reportedly approached Rodiat expressing her desire to secure a job opportunity, after which she was introduced to the suspects,” he said.
Opebiyi also quoted the Oyo State NSCDC Commandant, Augustine Padonu, as calling on residents to keep their eyes peeled and promptly report any suspicious activity linked to human trafficking to the NSCDC or other relevant agencies.
Padonu reaffirmed the command’s resolve to clamp down on human trafficking and related crimes, stressing that the fight is far from over. He added that the suspect will be arraigned in court, while the search for her fleeing husband has been stepped up to ensure everyone involved answers to the law.
