Oyo NSCDC arrests woman over alleged trafficking of 17-year-old girl

A 28-year-old woman, Kemi Kolawole, has been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, over an alleged involvement in trafficking a 17-year-old girl, Ayomide (surname withheld).

Kolawole, who hails from Oyo town but is a resident of Ifeleye Ogunpa area, Ibadan, and a native of Oyo, was alleged to have taken Ayomide to Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) for prostitution.

The suspect’s husband, Oni Kayode, aged 32, and said to be an accomplice, is currently at large.

The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, SC Samuel Opebiyi, who made this known in a statement on Saturday, said that the suspect was apprehended on Thursday, January 22, following a report received two days earlier at the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit of the NSCDC from the victim’s elder sister, Temilade.

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“Preliminary investigation indicated that the incident occurred on 25 November, 2025. It was alleged that the suspect, Kemi Kolawole, along with her husband, Oni Kayode (male, 32 years), a native of Oyo Town, Oyo State, who is currently at large, orchestrated the trafficking of Ayomide to Libya for prostitution.

“While investigations into the full details and network of the illicit operation are still ongoing, the Command confirmed that the victim was allegedly lured with false promises before being trafficked abroad,” the PRO said in the statement.

He stated that the Command further established that the victim was brought into contact with the alleged syndicate through one Rodiat Lawal, an apprentice at the suspect’s shop located within Ifeleye, Ogunpa Market, Ibadan, where slippers, shoes, and other items are sold.

SC Opebiyi added, “The victim reportedly approached Rodiat Lawal, expressing her desire to secure a job opportunity, after which she was introduced to the suspects. Rodiat Lawal is a friend of the victim, Ayomide.”

The Command spokesman assured that the suspect would be charged in court at the conclusion of the investigation, adding that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspect, Kayode.

In his comment, the state Commandant, Augustine Padonu, advised members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity that might be linked to human trafficking to NSCDC or relevant sister security agencies for swift response and protection of vulnerable persons.

The Commandant reiterated the command’s firm commitment to combating human trafficking and other related offences, stressing that the Command would continue to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing victims and ensuring that all persons involved in the crime are brought to justice.

He also urged members of the public to always “say something when you see something.”