Seven suspects, Osuolale Ayodele (53), John Umeh (64), Eyeke Chimechie (45), Mutiu Alabi (45), Adedoja Lukman (72), Tomiwa Olusegun (35), and Eritobiloba Rashidi (49), have been arrested by the Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, for the defilement of minors, harmful traditional practices, and human trafficking in different locations in the state.

According to the State Commandant, Augustine Padonu, a native of Abia State and resident of the Monatan area, Ibadan, John Umeh, was arrested for s3xually assaulting his stepdaughter since she was seven years old until she turned 16.

He said that Ayodele, who hails from Osun State but is a resident of Olunloyo area, Ibadan, was arrested for defiling a 13-year-old girl.

Padonu stated that another suspect, Chimechie, a native of Ebonyi State residing in the Bestway area of Ibadan, was arrested for impregnating a 17-year-old girl and subjecting her to domestic violence.

He said that Alabi and Lukman were picked for engaging in harmful traditional practices, including genital mutilation, while Olusegun and Rashidi were apprehended on Thursday, February 22, at Ojoo Motor Park while attempting to traffic four girls to Libya.

The commandant said that the suspects were undergoing an investigation and would be charged in court at its conclusion.

He assured that the NSCDC Oyo State Command would continue to work tirelessly to combat human trafficking and all forms of violence against women and children.