PRESS RELEASE
ONDO POLICE BUST SEX TRAFFICKING RING MASQUERADING AS JOB RECRUITMENT AND CONTENT CREATION – 15 YOUNG GIRLS RESCUED
The Ondo State Police Command has dismantled a notorious sex trafficking syndicate exploiting young women under the guise of job recruitment and social media content creation. Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit arrested Jayeola Joshua, male, of Alagbaka, Akure, along with two others, while efforts continue to apprehend the remaining accomplices, signaling the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens.
Investigations revealed that the syndicate lured victims from across the country with false promises of lucrative employment, including domestic work, ushering services, and overseas placements. Upon arrival in Akure, 15 victims, aged 20 to 26, were accommodated in an apartment in Alagbaka, which became the operational base for the illicit activities.
The arrangement not only facilitated exploitation but also highlighted how organized criminal elements prey on the vulnerability of unsuspecting young women seeking legitimate opportunities.
Further inquiry uncovered that the victims were manipulated into sending nude images and videos, which were subsequently transmitted to clients procuring sexual services. The principal suspect reportedly received the largest share of the proceeds, while the operation was disguised as producing “relationship content” on social media, misleading the public and masking criminal intent.
Evidence indicates that the apartment was specifically rented to facilitate these activities, prompting the Commissioner of Police to direct that the landlords be invited for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
Following the rescue, the 15 victims were taken to the Police Hospital, Akure, for medical care, psychological evaluation, and counseling. 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, counseling, and reintegration of the victims into society.
He also issued a marching order that all arrested suspects must be prosecuted and intensified efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining accomplices, demonstrating the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, appreciate the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, for his proactive leadership and unwavering support to commands nationwide. He noted that intelligence-driven policing, combined with intra-agency collaboration, has significantly enhanced operational efficiency and contributed to the Command’s success in swiftly dismantling the syndicate.
Reaffirming the Command’s determination to eradicate criminal networks engaged in human trafficking and sexual exploitation, the CP urged parents and guardians to verify job offers and recruitment agents before allowing their wards to travel.
He further encouraged the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that can aid in preventing and detecting crime across the state, underscoring the vital role of community partnership in maintaining public safety.
E- Signed
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA OLUSHOLA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Ondo State Police Command
For: – Commissioner of Police, Ondo State
8th November, 2025
