NAPTIP Arrests Notorious Human Trafficker In Ekiti

A well-known human trafficker, Sunday Akinyemi, was apprehended by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) for allegedly trafficking a mother of three, Taiwo Ajayi Adedire, his own daughters, and multiple other individuals to Libya.

The suspect and his wife, who claimed to be a prophetess, were reportedly involved in human trafficking for some time, but their fortunes turned when Taiwo Ajayi Adedire, trafficked a few months prior, alerted authorities through her husband.

Speaking to journalists, NAPTIP Director General Binta Adamu Bello, represented by the NAPTIP Commander in Ekiti State, Oladimeji Ademola, stated that the suspect was arrested after the victim’s husband, Niyi Adedire, reported the matter to the agency’s head office in GRA, Ado Ekiti.

Adamu Bello noted that the suspect’s wife was not detained by agency officers because she was undergoing medical treatment at the time of her husband’s arrest, who is now in custody.

She added that the prophetess is being monitored and will be brought in later for prosecution alongside her husband.

Recounting her experience, the victim, Olanike Ajayi Adedire, currently stranded in Libya, told reporters via phone that the suspect’s wife, a prophetess, deceived her with promises of a better life in Turkey, only for her to end up in Libya, where she faced hard labor and prostitution.

She revealed that the prophetess also took her freezer, claiming it was for spiritual work to ensure her success abroad.

In his account, the victim’s husband, Niyi Adedire, confirmed that he gave his wife money to travel to Ijesa Isu for her father’s burial, but she vanished unexpectedly.

He explained that the family was left bewildered until a few weeks ago when she contacted them in distress, pleading for help from Libya.

He stated that his wife provided the phone number and address of the prophetess and her husband, alleging they promised to take her to Turkey but trafficked her to Libya instead.

The agent to whom Taiwo Ajayi Adedire was sold also confirmed that the suspect, Sunday Akinyemi, was referred to her by another agent he had collaborated with for years.

The agent disclosed that she had previously sent five hundred thousand Naira to the suspect for five girls, but he failed to deliver, only bringing the victim after persistent pressure.

She agreed to return the victim to Nigeria provided the family refunds the one point one million Naira spent to transport her to Libya.

During questioning, the suspect, Sunday Akinyemi, admitted to the allegations but insisted he was merely trying to help the woman, noting that two of his own daughters were also in Libya.

The suspect will face court proceedings following a thorough investigation.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli