Ghanaian Trafficker Busted While Smuggling 2 Teens

BY ANTHONY OMOH

Two 15-year-old girls, Kate Osazuwa Augustin and Nomoniobodo Odion, dreamed of escaping hardship in search of a better life. On July 27, 2025, their journey was cut short at the Lagos border, where officers of Zone A of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) rescued them from a Ghanaian trafficker, Mishiame John Abedi.

Both teenagers, from Benin City in Edo State, had been promised domestic work in Ghana by a woman known only as “Aunt Loveth.” Lured by false hope and driven by economic pressure, the girls agreed, unaware they were being trafficked.

“I thought it was a better life,” said Kate, her voice shaking. “I didn’t know we were being trafficked.”

Nomoniobodo added, “My parents didn’t know. We were just told there was work and that everything would be fine.”

Loveth allegedly arranged for a man called Osas to transport the girls from Benin to Lagos. At a secret handoff point, they were placed in the custody of Mishiame John Abedi, the Ghanaian trafficker who was later intercepted by vigilant NIS personnel while traveling in a Toyota Sienna with plate number SMK 484 JD.

This interception followed a recent directive by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, mandating tighter surveillance and increased patrols across Nigeria’s border corridors. Acting on this, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap,  intensified operations in high-risk zones like Lagos, where trafficking activity remains a serious concern.

The arrest of the Ghanaian trafficker underscores the success of NIS’s ongoing efforts to combat cross-border trafficking. Over the past year, the Service has been working closely with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), not just to dismantle trafficking networks but also to provide crucial support for victims. Through this collaboration, trafficked and vulnerable individuals, especially minors, are given access to rehabilitation, protection, and psychosocial services.

Reacting to the development, Comptroller General Nandap described transborder trafficking as “a growing scourge that threatens the safety of our youth and the security of our borders.” She stated:

“Human trafficking is an inhumane and exploitative crime. It must be stamped out completely through sustained vigilance, enforcement, and community engagement. The interception of this Ghanaian trafficker shows the importance of inter-agency coordination and the dedication of our officers. We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with NAPTIP to ensure victims are rescued, rehabilitated, and returned to safety.”

It was under this directive that Zone A operatives, commanded by Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) E.L. Anugwa, acted on intelligence. Their quick action not only rescued the teens but reinforced the role of smart enforcement in disrupting trafficking rings.

Initial questioning revealed the Ghanaian trafficker Abedi attempted to claim Nigerian nationality, identifying as a Delta State native. However, inconsistencies in his accent, vague answers, and lack of documentation raised suspicions. He was unable to name any local town or dialect and eventually confessed to being Ghanaian. His full identity—Mishiame John Abedi—was confirmed. He admitted being recruited to smuggle the girls into Ghana.

With his confession, the Ghanaian trafficker remains in NIS custody as investigations expand. Authorities have declared both Loveth and Osas wanted. Intelligence efforts are underway to uncover and dismantle the broader network where the Ghanaian trafficker belonged,

Meanwhile, the two rescued girls are now in protective custody. Authorities are working to reunite them with their families in Benin City. Psychosocial support services have been activated to help them recover from trauma.

This case starkly illustrates how traffickers manipulate vulnerable teens through deception. It also underscores the importance of Nigeria Immigration Service’s Zone A in preventing cross-border trafficking attempts.

The NIS urges citizens, especially in vulnerable communities, to be alert. Suspicious travel plans involving minors should be reported. Public vigilance, coupled with strong enforcement, remains vital in fighting the menace of child trafficking in West Africa.