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Police Burst Sex Trafficking Syndicate, Rescue 15 Victims In Ondo

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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.

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“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

150 terrorists convicted in 48 hours, says AGF

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The Federal Government has secured approximately 150 convictions within the first two days of its latest phase of mass terrorism trials, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed on Tuesday.

Fagbemi made the disclosure while speaking with journalists at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the trials are being conducted simultaneously before 10 judges of the court.

The AGF said the current phase, which commenced on Monday, had already recorded about 160 trials leading to roughly 150 convictions on its first day alone.

“Yesterday, we had about 160 trials. I think about 150 convictions,” Fagbemi told reporters.

He added that proceedings on Tuesday brought approximately 300 cases before the courts, with another 84 cases expected to be concluded before the close of the day.

“Whatever we can do, or wherever we stop today, we’ll continue tomorrow and also on Thursday. So it’s still ongoing,” the minister said.

Fagbemi appealed for patience from members of the public as the exercise continued, stressing that the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to justice, accountability and the rule of law.

On Monday, the AGF had said the ongoing phase marked the fourth round of mass terrorism trials conducted since the inception of the current administration, describing the exercise as a clear signal that the government would not tolerate terrorism in any form.

“The message is clear, direct and straightforward. It is that the present administration is not taking the issue of terrorism with levity. And that is why you see ongoing trials.

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“Since the inception of this administration, this is about the fourth phase that we are undertaking. So the message is that let everybody know that terrorism in whatever form or shape will not be tolerated,” Fagbemi added.

The prosecution is being led by the AGF himself, while the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council, Aliyu Abubakar, heads the defence team.

Among the judges handling the cases are Justices Binta Nyako, Emeka Nwite, Musa Liman, James Omotosho, Obiora Egwuatu and Ekerete Akpan, with proceedings taking place across several courtrooms simultaneously.

The current phase of trials is expected to run through Thursday, with the overall exercise scheduled to last one week.

The latest phase follows a previous round conducted between April 7 and April 10, during which no fewer than 500 alleged terrorists were tried before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

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Crime

Police arrest man for sharing fake video of bandit attack in Ekiti

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The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a man, Sunday Olawale, over allegedly spreading fake news of bandits’ attack on Are Ekiti in the Irepodun Ifelodun Local Government area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, said in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday that the suspect, who confessed to the crime, had been unable to give a reason for the false information.

Abutu stated, “The Police Command wishes to reiterate that there was no bandit invasion in Are Ekiti or any part of the Ekiti State”.

The statement reads in part: “On 14th of June, 2026, the Command Rapid Response Squad trailed and arrested one Sunday Olawale at Ekute area of Ado Ekiti for cyberstalking and giving of false information intended to cause breakdown of law and order.

“It would be recalled that on the 12th of June 2026, a video was circulating on social media claiming that bandits had invaded Are Ekiti. The video was later confirmed to be false.

“During the investigation, the suspect confessed to having peddled the false information on social media and was unable to give any satisfactory reason for his action.

“The State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, while warning that the Command will not tolerate any act of fake news peddling or content capable of initiating panic among members of the public, advises members of the public to always verify information they believe or share on social media,” the PPRO stated.

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Police confirm three security operatives killed in NIPSS Plateau gunmen attack

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The Plateau State Police Command has confirmed that three security operatives were killed in an attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, in the early hours of Monday.

In an information update in Jos on Tuesday, signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, the command said, “The Plateau State Police Command, on a very sad note, wishes to confirm the incident that occurred in the early hours of today, 16th June 2026, involving security personnel on duty at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru.

“Regrettably, three security personnel lost their lives during the incident.”

The command disclosed that security has been beefed up around the facility following the attack.

“Security reinforcements have been deployed, and patrols have been intensified around the general area by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah,” SP Alabo stated.

The police also assured residents that calm has returned to the area.

“The situation is under control and normal activities have resumed,” the statement added.

On the next steps, the command said, “Investigation is ongoing. The command urges members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful businesses.”

The PPRO concluded that “Further updates will be communicated in due course.”

NIPSS Kuru is Nigeria’s premier policy training institution for senior public officials.

The attack marks one of the most serious security breaches at the facility in recent years.

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