April 19, 2026 / News / SUNTV Global Channel
Three Nigerian women have recounted a harrowing ordeal of deception, trafficking, and sexual exploitation after being lured with fake job offers abroad, only to end up in forced prostitution in .
The survivors—Bella Boluwatife, Linda Zainab, and Amoke Joy—revealed that they were recruited by an alleged trafficking agent identified as Peter Osas, who promised them legitimate employment opportunities in as bar attendants and housekeepers.
Instead, what began as a hopeful journey reportedly turned into a coordinated human trafficking operation that moved them through the into , and ultimately into Mali.
Bella explained that the journey started in Ogun State, where they were convinced by the recruiter’s assurances. Before departure, they were allegedly coached to respond positively during a video call with a woman identified as “Angel,” believed to be the sponsor of the operation.
Their situation worsened during the six-day journey across multiple checkpoints, where, according to the victims, bribes were paid to facilitate their movement.
“We were not travellers—we were cargo,” Bella said, describing the moment they realized they had been trafficked.
Upon arrival in Mali, the women said they were taken to makeshift camps and forced into prostitution. Bella described the shock of discovering condoms, other victims—including minors—and the reality that escape was nearly impossible.
The victims further revealed they were placed under debt bondage, each allegedly owing 1.5 million CFA francs, a sum they were told must be repaid before they could regain their freedom.
Linda Zainab recounted how attempts to resist were met with force and isolation. Their phones were seized, and they were separated and assigned to different handlers, cutting off communication with the outside world.
“Customers came daily—sometimes five or more—and the money went directly to our captors,” she said.
Hope emerged when one of the victims, Joy, managed to secretly contact her family, triggering intervention efforts. The women said increasing pressure from authorities and diplomatic channels eventually led to their release.
Speaking on the incident, Prosper K. A. Michael, founder of a global anti-human trafficking organisation, warned that the case reflects a wider and highly organised trafficking network operating across West Africa and beyond.
He noted that human trafficking remains a major global crime involving recruiters, transporters, and exploiters who use deception, coercion, and violence to trap victims.
The case adds to growing concerns over trafficking routes linking Nigeria to countries such as Libya, Egypt, Iraq, and Mali, with many victims subjected to severe exploitation.
Authorities are yet to confirm arrests linked to the syndicate, but calls are growing for stronger border controls, public awareness, and decisive action against traffickers exploiting vulnerable Nigerians.
The survivors’ story serves as a stark warning about the dangers of fraudulent overseas job offers and the urgent need to combat human trafficking networks operating across the region.
