Kwara NSCDC Arrests Two Over Trafficking and Unlicensed Medical Practice Allegations

By Atlantic Reports

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara Command, says it has arrested two men in separate investigations involving suspected human trafficking and alleged unlicensed medical practice.

Command spokesperson Ayoola Shola announced the arrests in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ilorin.

Both cases remain under investigation, and the allegations against the suspects have not been established in court.

Teenage Girl Reportedly Taken to Mali

Shola said Victor Barry, 22, was arrested over allegations that he arranged overseas travel for a 17-year-old girl from Amoyo, Kwara State, under the promise of employment in Senegal.

The girl’s mother reported the matter at the NSCDC Amoyo Division on October 9. The case was subsequently transferred to the state headquarters in Ilorin.

According to the command’s preliminary account, Barry met the girl at his shop on October 5 when she came to buy noodles and offered her an employment opportunity abroad.

Shola alleged that Barry took her to Lagos on October 7 and handed her to an unidentified person at Mile 2 for onward travel.

The spokesperson said Barry later told investigators that the girl arrived in Mali on October 12. He reportedly attributed the change of destination to an agent identified as Joy.

That explanation remains the suspect’s reported account. The statement did not establish the girl’s precise location, whether investigators had contacted her directly or the conditions in which she was staying.

Shola said Barry’s parents had pledged to cooperate in facilitating her return within two weeks. That pledge is not confirmation of a secured repatriation arrangement.

The command said it would investigate the full circumstances and work towards her safe return.

Separate Investigation into Medical Procedures

In the second operation, NSCDC officers arrested Maruf Bello, 56, on October 13 following intelligence about an allegedly unauthorised medical facility.

Shola said Bello was suspected of performing abortions without recognised medical qualifications.

According to the command, he reportedly admitted performing multiple procedures but did not produce a certificate or licence authorising him to practise medicine. Operatives also recovered medical instruments suspected of being used in the procedures.

The statement did not identify the facility’s location, provide findings from a medical regulator or report injuries linked to the alleged procedures.

Shola said Bello would be charged before a competent court after investigations were completed.

Command Urges Caution over Overseas Job Offers

State Commandant Abbas Ndah-Mohammed urged parents and guardians to exercise caution over overseas employment offers made to young people.

He encouraged residents to report suspected trafficking and illegal medical practice to the nearest NSCDC office and pledged lawful investigation of suspected offences.

For the teenage girl, the immediate priority is establishing her whereabouts and securing her safety and return. The investigations will also need to determine the roles of those who arranged her journey and independently assess the allegations concerning the medical facility.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.