The Ondo State Police Command has rescued at least 15 young women from a s*x trafficking syndicate during a sting operation in the Alagbaka area of Akure, the state capital. The coordinated raid led to the arrest of three suspects, including Jayeola Joshua, identified as the prime suspect behind the illicit network.
According to police reports, the victims — aged between 20 and 26 — were deceived with fake job offers and promises of social media content creation opportunities. Once recruited, they were allegedly forced to produce and send explicit photos and videos, which were later shared with clients seeking s*xual services.
Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade revealed that the syndicate lured victims from various parts of the country under false pretences of lucrative jobs such as domestic work, ushering, and overseas placements. He stressed that the operation was cleverly masked as a social media content business to evade suspicion.
Further investigation showed that the apartment used for the operation was rented specifically to facilitate these crimes. The Commissioner of Police has since ordered that the landlords of the property be invited for questioning as part of the ongoing probe.
While assuring the public of continued vigilance, Ayanlade urged parents and guardians to thoroughly verify any job offers or recruitment agencies before allowing their children to travel, emphasizing the command’s firm commitment to eradicating human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Ondo State
