The Cross River State Police Command has apprehended a suspect, Victor Eyop, over allegations of trafficking young girls from Nigeria to Libya.
This development was confirmed by the State Police Commissioner, Gyogon Grimah, during a press briefing on Monday in Calabar, the state capital.
According to Grimah, the arrest followed a report filed on November 9 by one Mr. Chidi Samuel in Calabar, accusing the suspect and his wife, Mrs. Esther Eyop, of engaging in human trafficking activities. Samuel alleged that the couple had recruited Ms. Deborah Nyong, Ms. Anita Lawrence, 25, and Ms. Mabel Tom, 16, with the intent of transporting them to Libya for exploitation.
“The victims were subjected to medical tests for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) before being taken to the suspect’s residence,” Grimah revealed.
The victims were reportedly instructed to use a cleansing substance mixed in their bath water as a preparatory ritual for their journey.
On November 12, Eyop and his wife allegedly transported the girls to Bogobiri Street in Calabar, where travel tickets were arranged to send them to Kaduna.
The couple had reportedly coordinated with a woman identified as Hajiya (full name unknown) to receive the victims in Kaduna.
Upon arriving in Kaduna, a taxi driver was arranged to transport the girls to Katsina, their next transit point.
However, the vehicle encountered mechanical issues en route. It was at this juncture that the victims realized the true nature of their situation—they were being trafficked.
The girls, now aware of the danger, began reaching out for assistance. Samuel, the complainant, sent them money through a Point of Sale (POS) operator to facilitate their escape. With this financial aid, the victims managed to board a taxi back to Kaduna and subsequently found their way to Calabar on November 15.
Grimah assured that investigations into the case were ongoing, and that Victor Eyop would be charged to court upon their conclusion. “This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in tackling the menace of human trafficking,” he added.
The police commissioner also emphasized the need for the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly. This case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by human traffickers and underscores the necessity of robust counter-trafficking measures in Nigeria.
