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A 19-year-old suspected human trafficker identified as Monday has been remanded in prison after appearing at Magistrate Court CMC 3, Makurdi, Benue State.
According to a Facebook post by prominent anti-trafficking activist Zege’Orkwande Sughnen Yaaya, the suspect was remanded at Yaikyo Correctional Center for allegedly trafficking two young girls from Benue to Lagos with the intention of moving them further to Mali.
The case has been adjourned to June 3, 2026.
The activist revealed that his team in Lagos intercepted the two girls at a park, while Monday was arrested in the North Bank area of Makurdi by operatives of the Benue State Police Command.
In the post, Zege’Orkwande Sughnen Yaaya issued a stern warning to other traffickers operating within Benue State: “If you are a trafficker within Benue State, start counting your business days.”
The post includes a photo of the suspect, a young man in a black shirt, and images of a vehicle that appears to be the one used in the trafficking operation.
This latest arrest and remand is part of the ongoing efforts by Zege’Orkwande Sughnen Yaaya and his team, in collaboration with security agencies, to combat human trafficking, particularly the movement of vulnerable girls from Benue State to other parts of Nigeria and West Africa for sexual exploitation.
The activist has been very vocal in documenting such rescues and arrests, often using social media to raise awareness and put pressure on traffickers. His work continues to highlight the persistent challenge of human trafficking networks targeting the “Benue girl child.”
As the case progresses, the two rescued girls are expected to receive necessary support and rehabilitation while the suspect remains in custody awaiting further court proceedings.
