Police: Foreigners sneaked in from Benin Republic, lured victim with fake business training

• Lawal said the suspects entered Nigeria illegally, some with expired passports and others without any form of identification papers.
• Police investigations revealed that the suspects lured a Congolese national to Nigeria under the false promise of business training.

The commissioner of police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, says 10 foreign nationals have been arrested in connection with an alleged human trafficking syndicate in Akure.

Lawal, who spoke during a press briefing at the command headquarters on Sunday, said the suspects entered the country illegally.

He explained that most of the suspects are citizens of the Republic of Benin who were traced to a house along Oda Road after intelligence reports.

According to him, a 29‑year‑old Congolese, identified as Nzaou Yelica Christ‑Olse, was rescued during the operation.

The commissioner said the victim was allegedly enticed into Nigeria with false promises of training in online business but was later abandoned.

“On July 31, 2025, at about 2:30 p.m., operatives of the Command arrested ten foreign nationals in Akure,” Lawal said.

“Our findings showed that they crossed into Nigeria from the Republic of Benin without valid documents. Some had expired passports, while others had no identification papers at all.

“Further investigation revealed that they conspired to bring one Nzaou Yelica Christ‑Olse, a 29‑year‑old Congolese, into the country on false promises of business training. Instead, he was left stranded upon arrival.”

Lawal gave the names of the suspects as Atouh Joel, 37; Mohamed Atta Amidou, 35; Saibou Akateliwe, 33; Abdul Jahao, 26; Ndah Severin, 27; Kumpori Ruth, 19; Kumpori Martin, 31; Tatiana Madous Dianne, 32; Martias Sossa, 22; and Ndapola Oba Giove, 30.

The commissioner described the case as a serious breach of Nigeria’s immigration and anti‑trafficking laws.

He said the matter had been transferred to the Nigeria Immigration Service and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further action.

“The rescued victim is safe and currently receiving the necessary care from the relevant authorities,” he added.