In a major crackdown on human trafficking, security operatives in Ogun State have arrested Idem Joy, a suspected trafficker, alongside several accomplices for allegedly forcing young girls into prostitution.

The arrest was carried out by the Ogun State Amotekun Corps at around 6:15 AM on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at the notorious Railway Line Hotel, situated on Old Bank Road in Ifo Local Government Area.

Trafficked and Exploited: Victims Speak Out

The victims, ranging from ages 12 to 39, were reportedly trafficked from Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Delta States under false pretenses. Fourteen of the girls hailed from Akwa Ibom, while the rest were from Cross River and Delta. Shockingly, reports indicate that some of them tested positive for HIV.

One of the victims, a 14-year-old JSS3 dropout, recounted her harrowing experience. She revealed that she was deceived into traveling to Ogun State under the guise of working as a salesgirl. Upon arrival, she was drugged and coerced into sex work.

“They did not tell me that this is what I would be doing. They only said I would work as a salesgirl,” she said. “But when I arrived, they made me take drugs before starting the work. She (Idem Joy) cut some of my hair and warned me that if I ever ran away, she would use it to kill me. For others, she took their pictures and even their blood.”

Another victim, a 17-year-old girl, revealed that she was trafficked on November 7, 2024, and forced to swear an oath while standing naked on a Bible. She was promised freedom after working for one year but was subjected to horrifying conditions.

“She cut my hair and made me swear an oath while standing naked on a Bible. Some of the girls had their private parts wiped with cotton wool as part of the ritual, so we wouldn’t run away,” she explained. “I was told that if I worked well, I would be set free after one year, and they would buy me a phone and a box of clothes.”

Inside the Trafficking Syndicate: Joy’s Confession

Idem Joy, the alleged ringleader, admitted to recruiting and managing the girls but denied forcing them into prostitution. She claimed they knew what they were getting into and had agreed to the work voluntarily.

“Yes, there is one of my colleagues who is no longer in the business, so she assisted me with the girls. Some of them belong to other madams. Among these girls, I have only four under me, while the rest work for Ivy, Success, and Auntie Oyinbo,” she stated.

According to Joy, her arrest was triggered when two of the girls escaped and reported to the authorities.

“Two of the girls ran away. I was looking for them and had plans to report to the police because if anything happened to them, I would be held responsible. But this morning, the police raided our place, and I saw the missing girls with them,” she added.

Dark Secrets: Forced Oaths and Ritual Fears

The victims revealed that they were forced to take oaths and subjected to terrifying rituals designed to instill fear and prevent escape. Many claimed their hair, blood, or intimate belongings were taken as part of the ritual threats.

“I sleep with 10 to 12 men a day, and they pay between N1,000 and N5,000, depending on the client,” one victim disclosed. “But we give all the money to our madam.”

Disturbingly, the victims alleged that used tissues from their clients were collected and stored by their madam, further fueling their fears of black magic.

Suspect Denies Ritual Claims, Says Oaths Were Just to Instill Fear

Responding to the allegations, Idem Joy dismissed claims of ritualistic practices, insisting that the oath-taking was merely a psychological tactic to discourage the girls from escaping.

“We didn’t actually make them swear; it was just to scare them so they wouldn’t run away,” she defended. “The tissues and condoms found at the scene were for protection. The girls use condoms with clients, and the tissues are just for hygiene. I don’t collect used tissues from any of them.”

Authorities Take Action

The Ogun State Amotekun Corps has assured the public that justice will be served, and all those involved in the trafficking ring will face the full wrath of the law. The rescued victims are receiving medical care and psychological support as investigations continue.

This case highlights the urgent need to tackle human trafficking in Nigeria and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. Authorities urge anyone with information on similar activities to report to the nearest security agency.

Authorities in Ogun State have uncovered a disturbing case of human trafficking, leading to the rescue of 15 victims and the arrest of two suspects, including a 62-year-old hotel owner and a 29-year-old trafficker.

Victims Rescued from Hotel Hideout

Reports from DAILY POST confirm that during a raid on the suspects' hideout, law enforcement officials discovered alarming evidence, including:

• One bundle and three pieces of tissue paper
• 15 packs and 45 pieces of condoms
• 25 sachets of female condoms
• 25 pieces of Cupid lubricant
• Various energy enhancers and drugs
• N819,600 in cash
• A wrap of suspected Indian hemp
• A black nylon containing a local herbal mixture

Trafficker’s Confession: ‘I Never Forced Them’

The 29-year-old woman at the center of the case, identified as Joy, admitted to being involved in trafficking for four years. However, she claimed that none of the victims were forced into the illegal trade.

“If this year finishes, it’ll be four years since I joined this business. If any of them want to leave, they are free to go,” she stated.

Despite this claim, authorities have established that the victims were held against their will, with their phones and menstrual pads confiscated as a form of control.

Legal Experts: ‘Children Under 18 Cannot Consent’

Barrister Adedamola Lapite, the Ogun State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, condemned the act, emphasizing that children below 18 cannot legally give consent to sexual activities.

“The Child’s Right Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law state that even if a child gives consent, it is presumed as no consent at all,” he explained.

Lapite further highlighted the role of poverty in the rise of human trafficking, stating that many parents unknowingly hand over their children under the false promise of a better life.

NAPTIP: Victims in Protective Custody, Suspects in Court

Abosede Jimoh, Ogun State Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), confirmed that the case has been taken to court. She revealed that some victims were found to be HIV positive, while one was discovered to be pregnant.

“We are providing counseling and rehabilitation. Four of the victims have been enrolled back in school,” she added.

Jimoh also warned that human trafficking often escalates into other serious crimes, including kidnapping.

Government’s Commitment to Fighting Human Trafficking

Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Adijat Adeleye, reassured the public of the government’s commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable children.

“This exploitation of our youth is a serious crime, and we are intensifying our efforts through intelligence gathering, stronger legislation, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies,” Adeleye stated.

She urged parents to be more vigilant in safeguarding their children and ensuring they do not fall victim to traffickers.

Final Thoughts

This shocking case serves as a wake-up call for society to take a firm stand against human trafficking. Authorities are calling on parents, communities, and law enforcement to work together in preventing such heinous crimes and ensuring justice for the victims.

Stay updated for more developments on this case as the trial progresses.