Oyo NSCDC Detains Housewife for Suspected Human Trafficking as Husband Escapes

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Oyo State has taken a 28-year-old housewife into custody on suspicion of human trafficking.

In a statement released to the press on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in Ibadan, the spokesperson for the Command, Mr. Samuel Opebiyi, confirmed that strides are being made to locate her husband, who is currently evading capture.

Opebiyi reported that the woman and her spouse are believed to have trafficked a 17-year-old girl to Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) for the purpose of prostitution.

The suspect was reportedly detained on January 22, following a report made to the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit two days earlier by the victim’s sister.

Further investigation revealed that the offence allegedly occurred on November 25, 2025, when the couple facilitated the trafficking of the victim to Libya.

"While the investigation into the full scope and network behind this illicit activity continues, it has been confirmed that the victim was misled with false promises before being taken abroad," Opebiyi stated.

He added that the NSCDC determined that the victim was introduced to the criminal syndicate by a certain Rodiat, who is an apprentice at the suspect's shop in Ifeleye, Ogunpa Market, Ibadan, where she sells shoes, bags, and other items.

According to Opebiyi, the victim had approached Rodiat to seek employment, which led to her introduction to the alleged traffickers.

Opebiyi also conveyed a message from the NSCDC State Commandant, Augustine Padonu, urging the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities related to human trafficking to the NSCDC or other relevant agencies for prompt action.

Padonu reiterated the commitment of the Command to fighting human trafficking and associated crimes, assuring that efforts would be amplified to rescue victims and ensure that all perpetrators are prosecuted.

He further indicated that the arrested suspect would face charges in court, while operations are in full swing to apprehend her still-at-large husband.