The Ogun State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as the Amotekun Corps, has rescued 16 alleged victims of sexual abuse in Ogun State.
The Amotekun Corps Commander, Brigadier Alade Adedigba (rtd), made this known to newsmen in Abeokuta, saying that the girls were rescued early this Wednesday following information received from people in Ifo.
Adedigba said 14 of the girls were from Akwa-Ibom State and one each from Cross River and Delta State, respectively.
The victims, whose ages range between 12 and 27 years, were rescued from a brothel, Rail Line Hotel, located in Ifo, in the Ifo local government area of Ogun State.
The rescued girls, mostly teenagers, were brought to the headquarters of the state security agency in Abeokuta along with their “carer,” identified as Mrs. Idem Nwanna Joy.
He said a sum of N819,600 was recovered from the alleged trafficker of the victims, while rolls of tissue paper, drugs, other medications suspected to be energy enhancers, and packs of condoms were found in Railway Line Hotel, Ifo, where the victims were kept.
Some of the girls revealed that they were forced to take an oath while naked, using holy books, to prevent them from speaking out or attempting to escape.
One of the victims disclosed that she was made to sleep with up to 10 men daily, with all the money she earned being collected by their handler, known as “Madam,” who only provided them with food.
Speaking to newsmen, the alleged trafficker, Idem Joy, claimed that the girls were brought to her by their relatives and another woman who is still at large. She stated that some of the victims used part of their earnings to support their children, while she also sent money to those who facilitated their recruitment.
Despite the allegations, Joy insisted that the girls were free to leave if they wished.
Adedigba said the security agency would hand over the matter to the National Agency for Prohibition in Traffic of Persons (NAPTP) for proper action.