Operatives of the Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested a suspected cult member and a syndicate involved in human trafficking. The arrests were made under the directive of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, AIG Adegoke M. Fayoade, mni, psc, fisn.
According to a statement signed by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Ayuba T. Umma, anipr, intelligence reports led to a raid on the hideout of suspected Eiye Fraternity members terrorizing the Ijebu-Ife axis of Ogun State. The operation, conducted by the Zonal Dragon Squad II (ZDS-II) led by DSP Akeem Adeyemi, resulted in the arrest of Orekoya Abayomi, a 54-year-old male suspect, while others managed to escape through a nearby bush.
A search of the suspect’s residence led to the recovery of:
– one locally made single-barrel pistol,
– six live cartridges,
– twenty-one suspected fake voter’s cards with different names, and
– one Emerald pump-action gun with Breach No. 1335.
In a separate operation on March 22, 2025, operatives of the Zonal Intelligence Response Squad (ZIRS) led by SP Francis Kpoughul dismantled a human trafficking network operating in the Ipaja/Ayobo area of Lagos. The police raided their hideout in the Command/Meran area, leading to the arrest of Stella Edem and Susan Michael, both female suspects.
During interrogation, Stella Edem confessed to recruiting young girls under the age of 22 for a trafficker based in Mauritania, identified as Anabel, who was introduced to her by Rosemary Isaiah Otobong. Otobong is currently serving a jail term for a similar offense. Edem disclosed that she was paid ₦50,000 per girl trafficked and had received over ₦500,000 so far. Shockingly, she admitted to recruiting her own 19-year-old daughter as part of the illegal trade.
Her accomplice, Susan Michael, stated that she was initially contracted by Edem to recruit young girls for domestic work in Mauritania. However, she withdrew from the business after realizing the victims were being trafficked for sexual exploitation.
The police have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of inquiries.
The Zone 2 Command has reiterated its dedication to tackling criminal activities across Lagos and Ogun States, urging the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.