Police bust suspected child trafficking ring in Ondo, rescue female minor

By Boye Oyeyemi

The Ondo State Police Command has intercepted a suspected child trafficking syndicate and rescued a 13-year-old girl along the Owena axis of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that the operation was carried out under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal.

According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended on April 23 at about 6:44 p.m. when a commercial bus travelling from Lagos to Abuja was intercepted at the Owena checkpoint by personnel of the Nigerian Army.

“The vehicle, a Toyota Hummer 18-seater bus, was driven by Akomolafe Tope, 59, alongside a conductor, Sunday Ismaila, 48. A 13-year-old girl was found in their custody under suspicious circumstances,” the police said.

The command further disclosed that preliminary investigations showed the suspects failed to provide credible information regarding the identity and destination of the minor, raising strong suspicion of trafficking.

“The suspects could not give verifiable details about the child, prompting immediate arrest, while the minor was rescued and placed under protective care,” the statement added.

Police authorities equally revealed that the case had been transferred to the Gender-Based Offences Unit for further investigation, assuring that the suspects would be prosecuted upon conclusion of the probe.

Lawal reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for crimes against children, warning that offenders would face the full weight of the law. “We remain committed to protecting vulnerable persons. Anyone found culpable will be brought to justice,” he said, urging parents and transport operators to remain vigilant and properly verify the identities of minors in transit.