The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a woman for allegedly attempting to traffic three girls from Kaduna to Ivory Coast for prostitution.
The suspect reportedly lured the girls, aged 18 to 20, from Kaduna with promises of legitimate employment in a Lagos restaurant.
However, upon arriving in Ajegunle on May 23, she allegedly revealed her intention to send them to Ivory Coast.
One of the victims, who refused to be taken abroad, reported the incident to the police.
In response, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Tijani, ordered the case to be transferred from Tolu Division, Ajegunle, to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further investigation.
The Anti-Human Trafficking/Gender Unit of the SCID, led by Deputy Commissioner Mr. Dayo Akinbisehin, is investigating the allegations of conspiracy, deception, and human trafficking.
A police source told reporters on Thursday that the victims were not informed of the true plan before leaving Kaduna.
According to the source, one victim objected after discovering she was being taken abroad for prostitution instead of the promised job.
“She told the suspect that prostitution wasn’t what they had been told in Lagos,” the source said.
The suspect allegedly took the girls to a motor park to facilitate their departure from the country.
Alarmed, one victim approached the police and lodged a complaint, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Efforts are ongoing to rescue other victims allegedly held by an accomplice and to trace connected individuals.
Investigations have concluded, and the suspect will be charged to court soon.
