By DAYO ADESULU
Ifo, Ogun State— Operatives of the Ogun State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, have rescued 16 girls, aged between 12 and 27, from a brothel in Rail Line Hotel, Ifo, following a tip-off from concerned residents.
Victims and Suspects in Custody
The girls, mostly teenagers, were found in deplorable conditions and were taken to the Amotekun headquarters in Abeokuta alongside their supposed caretaker, Mrs. Idem Nwanna Joy.
While addressing journalists, Amotekun Corps Commander, Brigadier Alade Adedigba (retd.), confirmed that:
14 of the victims are from Akwa Ibom State, while one each is from Cross River and Delta States. N804,600 in cash was recovered from the alleged trafficker. The brothel, reportedly owned by Mrs. Yemisola Okutoro, is under investigation, but she remains at large. Seized items include tissue rolls, Indian hemp, energy-enhancing drugs, and packs of condoms.
Victims Forced into Oaths and Exploitation
Some of the victims revealed that they were:
Forced to swear an oath while naked with religious books to prevent them from escaping or speaking out. Made to sleep with up to 10 men daily, with all earnings collected by their “madam,” who only provided them with food.
One of the girls explained:
“We swore an oath not to run away. I sleep with many men daily, but all the money goes to our madam. She only buys us food.”
Alleged Trafficker Speaks
Mrs. Idem Joy, the alleged trafficker, claimed:
The girls were brought to her by their relatives and another woman, who is still at large. Some of the victims send money to support their children and families.
Government’s Response
Brig. Adedigba emphasized Ogun State’s zero tolerance for crime, stating:
“Ogun State shall not be a safe haven for criminal elements of any type.”
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has taken over the victims for rehabilitation and further investigation.
