Oyo: Husband flees as wife arrested for human trafficking

By Suleiman Shehu

Operatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State have launched a manhunt for the husband of arrested 28-year-old woman who was an accomplice to his wife in the alleged trafficking of a 17-year-old girl, to Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) for prostitution.

The housewife was arrested on Jan. 22, after the victim’s sister reported the case to the command’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the NSCDC on Jan. 20, Mr Samuel Opebiyi, the spokesperson for the Command said in a statement issued on Saturday in Ibadan.

The NSCDC said preliminary investigation indicated that the offence was committed on Nov. 25, 2025, when the suspect and her husband orchestrated the trafficking of the victim 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 quoted the state NSCDC Commandant, Augustine Padonu, as urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity relating to human trafficking to NSCDC or sister agencies for swift response.

Padonu reiterated the command’s commitment to combating human trafficking and other related offences.

The commandant said that the Command would continue to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing victims and ensuring all persons involved in the crime are brought to justice.

He said that the suspect would be charged to court while efforts are being intensified to apprehend the fleeing husband.

(NAN)