Convicted Dubai human trafficker arrested in Abuja

Saturday, January 4, 2025 - A convicted human trafficker, Uadiale Christiana Jacob, also known as Christy Evan Osagie and Christy Gold, has been arrested by officers of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

The arrest, which took place on December 31, 2024, was carried out by operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) after Jacob flew into the country from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to celebrate the New Year with loved ones. She was identified during routine checks and immediately apprehended.

Jacob, who had been on NAPTIP's wanted list for over five years, was previously charged with human trafficking in 2020 at the Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State. She was granted bail but later absconded to Dubai, leading to her conviction in absentia on March 21, 2024, with sentencing pending her re-arrest.

NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Vincent Adekoya, confirmed the arrest, stating that Jacob was a senior member of a human trafficking syndicate operating across the Middle East with its base in Dubai. The group is accused of recruiting, trafficking, and sexually exploiting young Nigerian girls.

Adekoya also revealed that Jacob's accomplices, including Michael Nduka, Osas Wiseman, Vivian, and a certain Prophet John based in Lagos, remain at large. He commended the collaborative efforts between NAPTIP and other law enforcement agencies, including the Attorney General of the Federation, INTERPOL Nigeria, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the NIS, which led to her eventual capture.

Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu Bello, praised the NIS for their role in apprehending Jacob, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency collaboration. She reiterated NAPTIP’s commitment to pursuing justice for human trafficking victims and ensuring that all fugitives are brought to justice.

“This is a clear message to other members of this international criminal gang who are still on the run: they can only hide for a while, but never forever,” Bello said, adding that the agency has activated all necessary intelligence networks to track down Jacob’s accomplices. Jacob will now face the court to receive her sentence following her conviction.