Ibadan: The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has arrested a 28-year-old housewife over alleged human trafficking.
In a statement to newsmen on Saturday in Ibadan, the Command’s spokesman, Mr Samuel Opebiyi, said efforts were ongoing to apprehend her accomplice. He added that her husband is on the run.
Opebiyi said the housewife and her husband allegedly trafficked a 17-year-old girl to Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) for prostitution.
He said the suspect was arrested on Jan. 22, after the victim’s sister reported the case to the command’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit on Jan. 20.
Opebiyi said that preliminary investigation indicated that the offence was committed on Nov. 25, 2025, when the suspect and her husband orchestrated the trafficking of the victim from Nigeria to Côte d’Ivoire for prostitution.
Opebiyi said the investigation into the operation’s full details is ongoing. He confirmed the victim was allegedly lured with false promises before being trafficked abroad.
Opebiyi said NSCDC Oyo State Command found the victim met the syndicate through one Rodiat, an apprentice at the suspect’s shop. The shop sells shoes, bags, and other accessories in 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 to rescue victims and ensure that all persons involved in the crime are brought to justice.
He said the suspect would be charged in court while efforts to apprehend the fleeing husband are being intensified.
