Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ogun State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has confirmed that two men are currently under investigation for allegedly trafficking their teenage daughters to Libya for forced labour, in a case that has raised renewed concerns over human trafficking routes through the Sahara Desert.
The State Commander of NAPTIP, Bose Jimoh, disclosed that the suspects, identified as 55-year-old Akinsanya Oladimeji and 45-year-old Kehinde Rasheed, are being investigated over allegations that they trafficked their 15-year-old daughters, Adeola and Rokibat Adeyemi, through irregular migration routes across the desert into Libya.
According to the agency, the alleged trafficking took place in 2024, when both girls were reportedly moved out of Nigeria and later received in Libya by Afusat Akinsanya, who is said to be the wife of one of the suspects and the mother of one of the victims. Authorities believe the arrangement facilitated the girls’ movement and subsequent exploitation in North Africa.
NAPTIP stated that the case came under scrutiny after family members raised concerns over the whereabouts of one of the girls. Investigations revealed that the suspect, Kehinde Rasheed, initially claimed that his daughter, Rokibat, had died in Libya in February 2025 due to illness. However, inconsistencies in the account reportedly led to further questioning.
According to the agency, Rasheed allegedly attempted to conceal the circumstances surrounding his daughter’s disappearance and reported death until sustained pressure from relatives of his late wife prompted him to provide further clarification. The family reportedly escalated the matter to the police after failing to obtain credible information about the victim’s status.
The Nigeria Police Force subsequently arrested both suspects and transferred the case to NAPTIP for further investigation, in line with procedures for handling human trafficking and child exploitation cases.
NAPTIP confirmed that a full investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged trafficking and the reported death of one of the victims. The agency also stated that efforts are being made to locate and secure the safe return of the second victim, who is believed to still be in Libya.
Officials explained that cases involving trafficking to Libya often follow dangerous migration routes through the Sahara Desert, where victims are exposed to extreme conditions, exploitation, forced labour, and in some cases, violence and death. Libya remains one of the key transit and destination points for irregular migration from West Africa to Europe.
Human trafficking remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, with victims often recruited under false promises of employment, education, or better living conditions abroad. In many cases, families are either complicit or unaware of the full extent of the exploitation until much later.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that traffickers frequently use land routes through neighbouring countries, including Niger, before crossing into Libya. These journeys are often undertaken under harsh conditions, with victims subjected to abuse, debt bondage, and forced labour upon arrival.
NAPTIP said the investigation is focused on establishing the roles of all individuals involved, including those who may have facilitated travel arrangements, coordinated movement across borders, or received the victims in Libya. The agency also indicated that international cooperation may be required to trace and repatriate the missing girl.
The Ogun State Command stressed that the case underscores the dangers of irregular migration and the exploitation of vulnerable minors. It reiterated its commitment to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable under Nigeria’s anti-trafficking laws.
Authorities also noted that public awareness remains critical in preventing similar cases, particularly in communities where economic hardship may make families vulnerable to traffickers who promise opportunities abroad.
The Nigeria Police Force and NAPTIP are expected to continue joint investigations as efforts intensify to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the case and secure the return of the victim still believed to be in Libya.
The development adds to a growing number of trafficking cases involving Nigerian youths in recent years, many of which have highlighted the persistent risks associated with irregular migration routes through the Sahara and into North Africa.
NAPTIP assured that updates will be provided as investigations progress and more information becomes available regarding the fate of the victims and the prosecution of those involved.
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