Husband flees as NSCDC nabs 28-year-old wife for human trafficking in Ibadan

The Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a 28-year-old housewife over alleged human trafficking in the state.

The command’s spokesman, Samuel Opebiyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, January 31, 2026, saying efforts were ongoing to apprehend the woman’s accomplice and husband, who is on the run.

Opebiyi said the housewife and her husband allegedly trafficked a 17-year-old girl to Cote d’Ivoire for prostitution.

Opebiyi said the suspect was arrested on January 22, after the victim’s sister reported the case to the command’s Anti-Human Trafficking Unit on January 20.

The NSCDC spokesperson noted that preliminary investigation indicated that the offence was committed on November 25, 2025, when the suspect and her husband orchestrated the trafficking of the victim to Libya for prostitution.

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He stated: “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.

“NSCDC, Oyo State Command, further established that the victim was brought into contact with the alleged syndicate through one Rodiat, an apprentice at the suspect’s shop, where she sells shoes, bags and other accessories, located within Ifeleye, Ogunpa Market, Ibadan,

“The victim reportedly approached Rodiat expressing her desire to secure a job opportunity, after which she was introduced to the suspects.”

Opebiyi quoted the Oyo NSCDC Commandant, Augustine Padonu, as urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity relating to human trafficking to NSCDC or other agencies for swift response.

The Star