NAPTIP Arrests Notorious Human Trafficker Sunday Akinyemi for Exploiting Mother of Three and Others
Enet
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has apprehended Sunday Akinyemi, a suspected human trafficker, for allegedly trafficking Taiwo Ajayi Adedire, a mother of three, his own daughters, and several others to Libya. The arrest, announced by NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, through Ekiti State Commander Oladimeji Ademola, follows a distress call from the victim’s husband, Niyi Adedire, to NAPTIP’s head office in GRA, Ado Ekiti.
Akinyemi, whose wife, a self-proclaimed prophetess, is also implicated, allegedly deceived Adedire with promises of a better life in Turkey, only for her to end up in Libya, where she endured forced labor and prostitution. Speaking via telephone from Libya, Adedire recounted how the prophetess took her freezer under the guise of performing spiritual rituals to ensure her success abroad. The suspect’s wife, currently under medical care, remains under surveillance and will face prosecution alongside her husband once cleared.
Niyi Adedire revealed that his wife had traveled to Ijesa Isu for her father’s burial but vanished after receiving travel funds. Weeks later, she contacted him in tears, stranded in Libya, and provided details leading to Akinyemi’s arrest. An agent involved in the trafficking confirmed paying Akinyemi ₦500,000 for five girls, though he failed to deliver until pressured to traffic Adedire. The agent demanded ₦1.1 million from Adedire’s family to return her to Nigeria.
During interrogation, Akinyemi admitted to the allegations but claimed he was “helping” Adedire, noting that two of his daughters were also in Libya. NAPTIP has detained him, and he will face court proceedings following a thorough investigation.
This case highlights NAPTIP’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking in Nigeria. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to prevent further exploitation.
