The Delta State Police Command has recorded a fresh breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on human trafficking, announcing the arrest of a suspected trafficker and the rescue of a 25-year-old woman who was allegedly lured to Côte d’Ivoire under false pretences.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, SP Bright Edafe, the arrest followed a petition accusing the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Ese Betty Isiorho, of deceiving the victim with promises of an opportunity to learn hairdressing in Côte d’Ivoire. Investigations later revealed that upon arrival in the country, the victim was allegedly forced into prostitution.
Acting on the petition, operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command moved swiftly to arrest the suspect, who reportedly confessed during interrogation to trafficking not only the 25-year-old victim but also another young woman, also in her twenties, to Côte d’Ivoire. Both women were allegedly handed over to a woman identified only as “Madam Purity” for prostitution.
Following what police described as sustained investigative efforts and inter-agency collaboration, the 25-year-old victim has since been rescued and repatriated to Nigeria, where she has been reunited with her family and is currently receiving medical attention. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to secure the safe return of the second victim, who remains in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as to track down other members of the alleged trafficking syndicate.
Commenting on the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the officers involved for their diligence and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating human trafficking and other organised crimes in the state. He further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious recruitment offers or trafficking-related activities to the Police.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
