Ogun Fathers Arrested for Trafficking Teenage Daughters to Libya for Child Labour

The Ogun State Command of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has launched an investigation into two men accused of trafficking their 15-year-old daughters through the desert to Libya for child labour.

The state Commander, Bose Jimoh, disclosed on Thursday that the suspects are Akinsanya Oladimeji, 55, and Kehinde Rasheed, 45.

According to Jimoh, Rasheed, a widower, and Akinsanya allegedly trafficked their daughters  Adeola and Rokibat Adeyemi to Libya in 2024. The girls were received in the North African country by Afusat Akinsanya, who is the wife of one of the suspects and mother of Adeola.

Jimoh further explained that in February 2025, Afusat Akinsanya who has been in Libya since 2018  called Rasheed to inform him that his daughter, Rokibat, had died due to illness.

The NAPTIP commander stated that Rasheed initially attempted to cover up his daughter’s death but eventually admitted to the incident following sustained pressure from his late wife’s family, who had been demanding to know Rokibat’s whereabouts.

The aggrieved family members reported the matter to the police, who arrested the two men and subsequently transferred the case to NAPTIP for further investigation.

“The case was handed over to NAPTIP by the Nigeria Police Force for thorough investigation,” Jimoh said. “An investigation is currently ongoing to ensure the suspects are held accountable for their actions.”

She added that the circumstances surrounding the mysterious death of the 15-year-old would be unravelled, while efforts are also underway to secure the safe return of the second 15-year-old victim who remains in Libya.