PRESS RELEASE


In a sustained effort to curb human trafficking and fraud related crimes, the Ondo State Police Command, under the purposeful leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc(+), mnips, wishes to inform the general public that it has recorded a major operational success with the arrest of three suspected human traffickers and the rescue of their victims in Akure.

Preliminary investigation revealed that sometime in June 2024, one John Apiah, male, aged 30 years, a Togolese national, came to Oda Town, Akure to work as hair stylist, where he met two young women identified as Blessings Assiah, female, aged 22 years, and Laro Larisa, female, aged 21 years. The trio subsequently rented a one room and palour apartment from one Owoeye, male, aged 40 years, in Oda Town.

Further investigation showed that John allegedly used the two women to lure unsuspecting victims with promises of procuring international passports and American visas. In the course of this fraudulent operation, the suspect reportedly collected the sum of 600,000 CFA from Charity Paketerima, female, aged 27 years; 500,000 CFA from Mohammed Assiah, male, aged 25 years; and 500,000 CFA from Kanate Dekadja, male, aged 35 years.

After collecting the money, the victims were initially lodged in a hotel before being moved to the suspects’ rented apartment in Oda Town, where they were kept under suspicious circumstances. Acting on credible intelligence, the Police promptly swung into action, leading to the rescue of the victims and the arrest of the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police reiterated that the Command has repeatedly warned landlords and property owners to conduct proper background checks on prospective tenants and to be vigilant against allowing their premises to be used for criminal activities, stressing that such negligence would attract serious legal consequences.

CP Lawal also appreciated the strategic leadership and sustained support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, noting that the ongoing reforms and technological innovations introduced by the IGP have continued to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness across Ondo State.

The Commissioner further assured members of the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking, trans-border crimes, and all forms of criminal activities. He called on the good people of Ondo State to continue to provide credible and actionable information on suspicious activities to assist the Police in keeping the state safe and secure.


E-Signed

*DSP ABAYOMI JIMOH*
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
12th January, 2026.