Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command rescued 15 young women from a sex trafficking syndicate during a sting operation in Akure, arresting three suspects. The victims, aged 20 to 26, were lured with fake job promises and coerced into sending nude images for sexual exploitation. Police have transferred the case to their Gender Desk for further handling and victim support.
The rescue operation took place at the weekend in an apartment in Alagbaka, a highbrow area of Akure, the Ondo State capital. According to Olayinka Ayanlade, the state's Police Public Relations Officer, the suspects exploited the victims under the guise of job recruitment and social media content creation.
The prime suspect, Joshua Jayeola, and his two accomplices manipulated the women into sending nude images and videos, which were then distributed to clients paying for sexual services. Investigations revealed that the syndicate lured victims from across Nigeria with false promises of lucrative opportunities, including domestic work, ushering jobs, and overseas placements.
Ayanlade stated, “The arrangement not only facilitated exploitation but also highlighted how organised criminal elements prey on the vulnerability of unsuspecting young women seeking legitimate opportunities.” He added that the principal suspect received the largest share of proceeds, while the operation was disguised as producing ‘relationship content’ on social media to mislead the public.
The apartment was rented specifically for these activities, and the Commissioner of Police has directed that landlords be questioned as part of the ongoing probe. Following the rescue, the 15 victims were taken to the Police Hospital in Akure for medical care, psychological evaluation, and counselling.
In a victim-centred approach, the case has been transferred to the Command’s Gender Desk for further investigation, counselling, and reintegration support. The arrested suspects face prosecution, and efforts continue to apprehend other accomplices. Ayanlade urged parents and guardians to verify job offers before allowing travel, reaffirming the command’s commitment to dismantling such networks.