The Delta State Police Command has announced the arrest of suspected human traffickers and child prostitution suspects, along with the rescue of several victims. The operation, conducted on 15th July 2024, followed credible intelligence on the activities of a trafficker identified as Chinyere, who is known for luring women from the Eastern region to Ughelli, Delta State under the false pretense of offering them jobs as salesgirls.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, who maintains a zero-tolerance stance on human and child trafficking, tasked DPO Ekpan CSP Aliyu Shaba to act on the gathered intelligence. The directive led to the discovery of one victim who disclosed the illegal activities of the suspect, Chinyere, who remains at large.
The victim revealed that Chinyere had deceived her parents in Abia State with promises of a job paying ₦30,000 monthly. On 12th July 2024, she and two other young girls were brought to Ughelli, only to discover that they were intended for prostitution. Upon refusing, they were thrown out of the hotel.
Acting on this information, a combined surveillance team raided the ‘Big Dafe Hotel’ on Ughelli/Patani Road, resulting in the arrest of Chioma Edafe, 36, from Umuogbezea Community in Imo State, who runs the hotel. Thirty-five other individuals were also apprehended, including twenty-three teenagers.
The command is intensifying its manhunt for the main suspect, Chinyere.