Police intercept trafficking suspects, rescue minor in Ondo
Security operatives in Ondo State have arrested two men suspected of child trafficking after a 13-year-old girl was found in their custody without clear identification details.
The state Police Command said the suspects were intercepted on April 23 at the Owena checkpoint by personnel of the Nigerian Army while travelling in an 18-seater commercial bus from Lagos to Abuja. The vehicle, driven by 59-year-old Akomolafe Tope with 48-year-old Sunday Ismaila as conductor, was reportedly carrying waybills when it was stopped.
According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the presence of the minor raised concern after the men failed to give a credible account of her identity, origin or destination. He said the girl was taken into protective care, while the suspects were detained for further questioning.
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The case has been transferred to the Gender-Based Offences Unit for investigation, and the police said the suspects would be charged to court after the process is concluded.
The command noted that the arrest reflects ongoing cooperation between the police, the military and other security agencies in tackling crimes involving vulnerable persons. It added that efforts are being strengthened through intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, restated the command’s position against crimes involving children and said those found guilty would face the law.
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The police also advised transport operators to properly verify passengers’ identities, especially minors, while urging residents to report suspicious movements involving children to security agencies.
