Crime

Police Burst Sex Trafficking Syndicate, Rescue 15 Victims In Ondo

Published

6 months ago

November 9, 2025

Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have rescued no fewer than 15 women between the age of 20 and 26 from a sex trafficking and exploitation ring operating in the state.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Olayinka Ayanlade, revealed that the syndicate operated under the guise of job recruitment and training for social media content creation.

Acting on credible intelligence, the police spokesperson stated that the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit arrested one Jayeola Joshua, a male from Alagbaka, Akure, along with two others connected to the crime.

Ayanlade said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing accomplices.

“Investigations revealed that the syndicate lured victims from across the country with false promises of lucrative employment, including domestic work, ushering services, and overseas placements.

“Upon arrival in Akure, the 15 victims, aged 20 to 26, were accommodated in an apartment in Alagbaka, which served as the operational base for the illicit activities.

“This arrangement not only facilitated exploitation but also highlights how organised criminal elements prey on the vulnerability of young women seeking legitimate opportunities,” Ayanlade explained.

The PPRO further stated that inquiries uncovered that the victims were manipulated into sending nude images and videos, which were then transmitted to clients purchasing sexual services.

He added that the principal suspect reportedly received the largest share of the proceeds. At the same time, the operation was disguised as the production of “relationship content” on social media, misleading the public and concealing its criminal nature.

“Evidence indicates that the apartment was specifically rented to facilitate these activities,” Ayanlade said, adding that this prompted the Commissioner of Police to direct that the landlords be invited for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.

Following the rescue, the 15 victims were taken to the Police Hospital, Akure, for medical care, psychological evaluation, and counselling.

The Commissioner of Police, CP CP Adebowale Lawal has ordered that the case be handed over to the Command’s Gender Desk for further investigation, counselling, and reintegration of the victims into society.

He also ordered that all arrested suspects must be prosecuted, while intensified efforts continue to apprehend the remaining accomplices.

Lawal reaffirmed the Command’s determination to eradicate criminal networks involved in human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

He urged parents and guardians to verify job offers and recruitment agents before allowing their wards to travel.

The CP further encouraged the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that can aid in preventing and detecting crime across the state.

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Crime

Gunshots Fired Near Trump, US President Rushed To Safety

Published

10 hours ago

April 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Panic erupted on Saturday night after gunshots were fired near Donald Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., forcing security operatives to evacuate the president and guests.

It was reports that the incident occurred at the Washington Hilton Hotel, where hundreds of guests had gathered for the annual black-tie event.

The suspect was apprehended at a screening area just outside the ballroom.

Confirming the development, Trump said, “Secret Service and Law Enforcement did a fantastic job. They acted quickly and bravely. The shooter has been apprehended.”

Tactical teams reportedly stormed the venue with weapons drawn, taking control of the stage area shortly after the evacuation. Police units surrounded the hotel, while helicopters hovered overhead.

In a post on social media, Trump assured that top government officials were unharmed.

“Law Enforcement has requested that we leave the premises… The First Lady, plus the Vice President, and all Cabinet members, are in perfect condition,” he said.

He added that he would address the public shortly at the White House and pledged to reschedule the event within a month.

The shooting occurred after the welcome address and during dinner, just before Trump was due to speak.

Although organisers initially indicated the event would continue, it was later postponed following the security scare.

A cabinet official, Mehmet Oz, said he heard gunfire during the incident.

“Shots fired upstairs,” he said while being escorted out by security personnel.

The Washington Hilton Hotel has previously been the site of an assassination attempt on former President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

Trump himself survived a shooting incident during a rally in Pennsylvania in 2024 and another security threat months later in Florida.

The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, often referred to as the “Nerd Prom,” brings together journalists, media executives, and political figures for an annual fundraising event.

This marked Trump’s first attendance at the event while in office, despite years of strained relations with the media.

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Crime

Military inaugurates court martial for soldiers involved in alleged coup plot

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Nigerian military has inaugurated a general court-martial to try 36 personnel who were alleged to have been involved in a plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The Defense Headquarters inaugurated the court martial on Friday at the Scorpion Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, under heavy security.

The session was held behind closed doors due to the sensitive nature of the proceedings.

It was reports that journalists, including accredited defence correspondents who had received prior invitations, were denied access to the venue.

Security personnel also barred the use of mobile phones to document the arrival of the 36 defendants, who were transported to the mess in an Army Headquarters Garrison bus at approximately 8:53 am.

The military proceedings are unfolding alongside parallel criminal charges filed by the Federal Government against civilians involved in the alleged coup plot at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

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Crime

Court adjourns financial misappropriation case against Yahaya Bello to May 6

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Proceedings in the case involving former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, were on Thursday adjourned till May 6, 2026, by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, represented the prosecution, while Bello was represented by his lead counsel, Mr Joseph Daudu.

During proceedings, the prosecution informed the court of the need for more time to respond to applications filed by the defence, while Bello’s legal team urged the court to consider their submissions and move the matter forward.

Justice Nwite, in his ruling, adjourned the case to May 6 to allow all parties to adequately prepare and ensure a fair hearing.

Mr Bello is currently facing charges bordering on alleged financial misappropriation during his tenure as governor, allegations he has repeatedly denied.

The case is expected to continue on the adjourned date.

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