In a shocking revelation, Amotekun operatives have dismantled a sex trafficking syndicate in Ogun State, rescuing several young victims, including a 12-year-old girl. The syndicate, which lured children from Akwa Ibom, Calabar, and Delta State, forced them into prostitution, charging customers as little as ₦1,000 per session.
A 14-year-old victim shared her harrowing experience, revealing that she was brought from Akwa Ibom under the false promise of working as a salesgirl. Upon arrival, she was drugged, her hair was cut, and she was threatened with death if she attempted to escape. Since then, she has been forced into prostitution under the control of her madam, Mrs. Edem Joy, who claimed to report to a higher boss, Mrs. Okutoro Yemisi, aged 60.
The traffickers reportedly lured young girls from various states, primarily Akwa Ibom, and coerced them into swearing oaths of silence using their blood, hair, or even a Bible. The victims were then drugged and subjected to charms before being dispatched to different hotels. The traffickers promised to release the girls after a year, offering them a phone and a box of clothes as compensation.
Disturbingly, the victims disclosed that their boss used tissues from clients for ritual purposes, ensuring they were collected after every session. The girls were forced to hand over all earnings, ranging from ₦1,000 to ₦5,000 per session, to Mrs. Edem.
The syndicate was exposed following an anonymous tip on February 8th, leading to the arrest of the suspects at Railway Line Hotel, Old Bank Bus Stop, in Ifo town. Authorities recovered lubricants, drugs, cash, and charms from the suspects during the operation.
This alarming case highlights the urgent need for increased vigilance and stronger measures to combat human trafficking in Nigeria. If you have any information on such activities, please report to the authorities immediately. Together, we can protect our children and put an end to these heinous crimes.
