The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has apprehended Uadiale Christiana Jacob, also known as Christy Evan Osagie or Christy Gold, a convicted human trafficker, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Jacob, a prominent figure in an international human trafficking network operating primarily in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, had been evading capture for over five years.
Upon her arrival from Dubai on December 31, 2024, Jacob was detained by operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) during routine checks and subsequently handed over to NAPTIP. She had previously been charged with human trafficking offenses in 2020, granted bail, and subsequently absconded, leading to her trial and conviction in absentia by a Federal High Court in Delta State.
Jacob is alleged to have been a senior member of a syndicate responsible for recruiting and trafficking young women to Dubai for sexual exploitation. Her arrest marks a significant victory for NAPTIP in its ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice.
NAPTIP has reiterated its commitment to eradicating human trafficking networks and has urged the public to remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. The agency continues to collaborate with international partners to ensure that traffickers face the full weight of the law, regardless of their location.
This arrest underscores the effectiveness of international cooperation in tackling human trafficking and serves as a warning to other traffickers that they cannot evade justice indefinitely. NAPTIP encourages victims of human trafficking to come forward, assuring them of protection and support in their journey towards rehabilitation.
