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NAPTIP Nabs High Profile Trafficker in India, Rescue Three Victims

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Blessing Bature-Akpakpan, Abuja

Joint operatives of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi, India, the New Delhi Police as well as activists from the New Delhi-based – Anti-Human Trafficking Organisation known as Vihaan-WMS, have arrested a notorious foreign-based human trafficker, Joy Shandy Okah in a deliberate operation that targeted big time traffickers outside Nigeria.

In a statement by the Press and Public Relations Unit, NAPTIP, Adekoye Vincent said the successful operation also led to the rescue of three Nigerian victims of forced prostitution (names withheld) in New Delhi, India.

It would be recalled that the Director General, Dr Fatima Waziri–Azi, on assumption of duties, vowed to ensure that high profile human traffickers across the world were identified, arrest, prosecuted and the proceeds of their ill-gotten wealth confiscated and forfeited as restitution to victims of trafficking.

In order to realize this mission, the Director General has embarked on a strategic advocacy to expand the pool of the Agency and enhance operational relationship with critical partners within and outside Nigeria. Foremost among partners that have demonstrated unconditional commitment to work with the Agency is the International Police Organization (INTERPOL) of which the India police is a member.

Explaining how the operation was coordinated, Head of the International and Intelligence Cooperation Unit of NAPTIP, Mrs. Angela Agbayekhai, said the prompt directive and support from the Director General greatly accounted for the success of the operation.    

She stated that “On 12th December 2021, NAPTIP received an SOS via email from a Nigerian Minor-17 years old (names withheld) who was deceitfully trafficked from Nigeria for forced prostitution in India. She requested the intervention of the NAPTIP for her rescue and that of other Nigerian victims held captive and forced into sex trade by one Joy Shandy Okah, a Nigerian, based in India.

“NAPTIP networked with the Indian-based NGO Vihaan-WMS through intelligence sharing, which resulted in the rescue of the three victims and arrest of their trafficker on at New Krishina Park near Well Pharmacy Vikaspuri, New Delhi – India, saying that the victims were recruited from Edo, Delta and Rivers States, Nigeria and trafficked to India for sexual exploitation by Joy Shandy Okah ‘F’, and her accomplices. One of the victims travelled from Nigeria on 17th September 2021, while the other two arrived India from Nigeria on 14th December 2021. The victims were subjected to oath rituals in Nigeria before their eventual travel.

“The victims travelled with questionable Passports and Student Visas. They were eventually held captive in New Delhi by their trafficker, Joy Shandy Okah, who sponsored their trip to India. Their phones and travel documents were seized and they were forced into prostitution to pay up a debt of N4.5 Million naira each until their rescue on 6th January, 2022.

“Joy Shandy is currently facing trial in an Indian Court since 7th January 2022 after her arrest and the victims who are currently in a safe house linked to Vihaan-WMS and assisting the authorities in this regard”, the Head of the Intelligence Unit of NAPTIP said.

Speaking on the development, Director General of NAPTIP, Dr Fatima Waziri-Azi, stated that “I have directed that all persons linked with the recruitment, harbouring, trafficking and sexual exploitation of the three victims who are based in Nigeria, be identified, arrested and prosecuted.

“We shall take the appropriate legal step to ensure that such proceeds of crime are forfeited and use to assuage the pain inflicted on the victims” NAPTIP Director General stated.

CRIME

Police Detain 2 Suspects, Recover 25 Stolen Phones in Borno

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The Nigerian Police Command in Borno has apprehended two suspects and recovered 25 stolen mobile phones during a stop-and-search operation along Damboa Road, in Maiduguri.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

Daso explained that the suspects, identified as Ibrahim Abubako, and Ibrahim Mohammed, were intercepted by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on Dec.

10 while riding a tricycle.

He said that during the search, the operatives uncovered various mobile phones reportedly stolen from individuals across communities and villages along the Borno -Adamawa State border.

He identified some of the communities as Mubi, Tashan Alade, Miringa, Kwaya Kusar, and Biu Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesman said that during interrogation, the suspects confessed to snatching the phones from their victims.

“The police have initiated efforts to return the recovered devices with their rightful owner.

“Also, the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” he said.

Daso reiterated the commitment of the Police Commissioner in the state, Yusufu Lawal, to maintain public safety during the Yuletide season. (NAN)

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CRIME

Niger Police Command Arrests Three Suspects over Assault on Council Boss

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From Dan Amasingha, Minna

Days after the Chairman of Katcha local government area of Niger State,  Danlami Abdullahi  Saku was assaulted and seriously  injured over his inability  to settle  a campaign  loan he obtained,  the State Police  Command said three suspects were now in their  custody  over the incident.

Niger State Police Command Spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun  in a release on Wednesday said  On 16/06/2024 at about 1800hrs, information was received at Katcha Div that the Chairman Katcha LGA Hon.

Danlami Abdullahi Saku was attacked by some miscreants along Saku-Gadza village after the Sallah prayer at his village Saku, Katcha LGA.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer,   the attack was allegedly reported to be linked to a debt issue between the Chairman and one Yanda of the same area.

He noted that the Chairman sustained serious injury during the attack and he was taken to Gen. Hospital Bida, and later referred to another hospital for further treatment.

A preliminary investigation was conducted at Katcha Div and three suspects were later identified, apprehended and transferred to Bida Area Command.

The suspects arrested are; Alh. Abdullahi Kasimu 68yrs of Gadza village, Katcha, Alh. Baba Moh’d 30yrs of the same village and Ahmadu Moh’d 25yrs.

The suspects were transferred to SCID on June 21st for discreet investigation and prosecution.

“During interrogation, Kasimu narrated that he lent the victim over a million naira since August, 2023 and that several attempts to recover the money proved abortive.

“He further said that on June 16th, the victim promised to come and see him, and while he was on the way after the Sallah prayer, his son Ahmadu Moh’d, his in-law Alh. Baba Moh’d among others accosted the Chairman, had an altercation and inflicted serious injuries on the victims”

The State Police Command acknowledged that the victim was about to transfer the money to him at the point before being rushed to the hospital.

However, the suspects are under investigation in SCID, Minna. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend others at large, and they will be charged to court for prosecution immediately after investigations.

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CRIME

Chief Imam’s Sallah Ram Stolen in Jos

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There was a drama as the sacrificial ram of the Chief Imam of the Mista Ali community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Imam Abdulkadir went missing on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.

Abdulkadir’s ram was reportedly stolen during a downpour in the area on the eve of the Ed-el-Kabir.

An Imam in the community, Haruna Yaqub, disclosed this during the sermon, shortly after the two Raka’at prayers.

Yaqub, who condemned the incident, described it as “insensitive”.

He added that the act showed that people lack fear for God.

The Imam said, “The Ram of our Chief Imam, which he purposely brought to sacrifice, has been stolen in the night.

We are really shocked by the incident. We were surprised to hear this story. This means that people are not God-fearing.

“It is scary that people have gone to the extent of stealing ram meant for religious activity.”

Speaking further, he urged people to be God-fearing and not engage in either stealing or any act of criminality.

He stressed that everyone will account for their actions on earth and hereafter.

“It is high time people repented and took the path of Allah. It is not too late. People should stop committing bad things and act according to Allah’s commandments,” he urged.

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