By Roving Reporters
Controversy is mounting over the fate of 40 Ghanaian nationals reportedly rescued in Akure, Ondo State, as investigations by Roving Reporters reveal that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has yet to be officially involved in handling their profiling, documentation, or possible repatriation — several days after police announced the high-profile rescue.
In a statement released by the Ondo State Police Command, signed by spokesperson DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the Ghanaians — including one David Angerinya, identified as a central victim — were allegedly trafficked into Nigeria under false pretences by a transnational criminal syndicate.
The police said that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the case following a petition from the Interpol Liaison Office at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
“The victims travelled to Nigeria with false assurances of lucrative job opportunities and visa arrangements to Canada and other Western nations,” Ayanlade stated.
“Many were found without valid travel documents, while others had expired papers.”
While the statement suggested ongoing investigations, Roving Reporters has uncovered that the Nigeria Immigration Service — the agency statutorily responsible for foreign nationals — was not contacted or briefed as of midweek.
“As of Wednesday night, our office had not been contacted,” said an immigration officer who requested anonymity.
“We also saw it in the news, just like everyone else. We don’t know their location, and we have no official record of their handover.”
This alarming omission not only undermines due process, but also violates standard protocol, raising fresh concerns about inter-agency coordination and transparency in transnational crime cases.
A similar case earlier this year saw 26 Ghanaians rescued in Ondo State and swiftly handed over to the NIS for profiling and necessary repatriation or legal clearance.
“That case was handled properly in April,” the immigration source added. “This one? Nothing has been done in that regard.”
A police source, however, maintained that the rescued individuals are in custody and “undergoing investigation,” noting that some may be extradited if found to be undocumented or in Nigeria illegally. Others linked to criminal acts may face prosecution under INTERPOL guidelines.Still, questions continue to swirl. The sudden reappearance of similar figures and details from a previous rescue operation has led observers to suspect the recycling of an old case under a new narrative.
Repeated efforts to obtain photographs from Police Spokesman were unsuccessful.He declined to provide images of the rescued individuals, citing “protocol.” The Ondo State Controller of Immigration, Mrs. Felicia Amaka, also declined comment, stating she was not authorised to speak.
Meanwhile, security analysts warn that poor inter-agency cooperation could undermine Nigeria’s ability to combat human trafficking and fraud credibly.
“This is not just a rescue story,” said one analyst. “If you claim to have rescued 40 foreign nationals, we need to know where they are, who is in charge of them, and what legal steps are being taken. Otherwise, it raises doubts about the entire operation.”
Despite the Ondo State Police Command’s reassurance that further arrests — including of the property owners who allegedly sheltered the victims — are underway, the public remains in the dark about the current welfare, legal status, and location of the 40 Ghanaians.
All efforts to get the reaction of the PPRO Olushola Ayanlade for any update on Thursday were unsuccessful as his Mobile Phone was unreachable.
For now, the question remains:
Where are the rescued Ghanaians?
