Operatives of the Nigeria Police have arrested 23 teenagers and 13 others in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State on alleged child prostitution and human trafficking.
Speaking to newsmen on Thursday, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe said the suspects arrested on Monday after a credible information regarding the activities of a woman known as Chinyere who specialises in trafficking women from the East to Ughelli for prostitution.
Edafe said intelligence indicated that Chinyere deceived the victims by promising them jobs as salesgirls in restaurants in Delta State.
The Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, who has a strong stance against human/child trafficking, assigned the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Ekpan, CSP Aliyu Shaba to act promptly, locate the hotel and apprehend the suspect.
“On July 15 around 1900hrs, one victim (name withheld) was found and she exposed the illicit activities of Chinyere who is currently evading capture.
“The victim revealed that she was falsely promised a salesgirl position in a bar with a monthly salary of N30,000 after being deceived by the suspect to travel from Abia State to Delta State.
“Upon arrival in Ughelli on July 12, the victim and two other girls discovered the true intentions of the suspect when they encountered other naked teenagers at their destination.
“They were informed that they were brought for prostitution, a revelation they rejected, resulting in their immediate expulsion from the hotel.
“Based on the information provided, a joint surveillance team conducted a raid on ‘Big Dafe Hotel’ located on Ughelli/Patani Road. During the operation, they arrested Chioma Edafe, a 36-year-old woman from Umuogbezea Community in Imo State, who manages the hotel, alongside 35 others. Among those arrested, 23 are teenagers,” Edafe said.
