Togolese recounts escape from trafficking ring as police arrest six in Ondo
By Boye Oyeyemi –
A Togolese national, Meale Yaoili, has recounted how he escaped from a suspected cross-border human trafficking syndicate in Ondo State, leading to the arrest of six suspects and the rescue of several victims.
Yaoili reported the incident at Yaba Police Station after fleeing his captors, alleging that he was lured from Togo to Nigeria with the promise of employment in Canada.
He said he was convinced to travel after being told there was no Canadian embassy in Togo, adding that his personal belongings were seized upon arrival and that he was held against his will.
According to him, he paid about 800,000 CFA francs for the supposed job opportunity before realising he had been trapped.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command promptly launched an operation following the complaint.
He added that six suspects were arrested during a raid on the premises allegedly used for the illegal operation, and three victims were rescued.
In a related development, the police uncovered another suspected trafficking network after a report initially filed as banditry was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects were illegal immigrants from Chad, allegedly recruited under false pretences, with police stating that all rescued persons were being treated as victims while investigations continue.
