Police Rescue 25 Human Trafficking Victims, Capture Suspect In Delta State

Police Rescue 25 Human Trafficking Victims, Capture Suspect In Delta State

The Delta State Police Command has successfully rescued 25 individuals who fell victim to human trafficking in the Ughelli area. SP Bright Edafe, speaking on behalf of the command in Asaba on Thursday, detailed the operation……. CONTINUE READING 

Acting on credible intelligence received on June 15, 2024, regarding the activities of an individual identified as Chinyere, specialized in trafficking women from the South-East to Ughelli for prostitution, the command swiftly responded. The victims were initially deceived with promises of employment as salesgirls in restaurants upon their arrival in Delta State.

“Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, committed to eradicating human/child trafficking, instructed DPO Ekpan, CSP Aliyu Shaba, to act on the intelligence gathered and ensure the apprehension of the suspect,” stated Edafe.

During the rescue operation, one victim disclosed the illicit activities of Chinyere, who remains at large. The victims, including teenagers, were duped into following the suspect from Abia State to Ughelli, only to discover upon arrival that they were intended for prostitution.

“The victims were subjected to appalling conditions, and upon their refusal to comply with the exploitative scheme, they were promptly ejected from ‘Big Dafe Hotel’ on Ughelli-Patani Road,” Edafe added.

In a proactive measure, law enforcement conducted a raid at the hotel and arrested Chioma Edafe, 36, alongside 35 others, including 23 teenagers. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the main suspect, Chinyere.

Meanwhile, survivors shared their traumatic experiences, revealing they were misled into believing they would earn salaries ranging from N30,000 to N35,000 for legitimate work at bars and restaurants in Delta State.

Chinyere, a survivor from Abia State, recounted, “We were led to believe we would work at a bar and earn N30,000. Instead, we were taken to a hotel in Ughelli for prostitution.”

Another survivor, Okoro from Anambra State, recounted, “Chinyere promised restaurant work with a salary of N35,000. We later realized it was prostitution.”

The Delta State Police Command assured the public of its commitment to combat human trafficking and deliver justice for the victims. For further updates on this unfolding story, please share this information.