NIGERIA: INTERPOL Declares 14 Nigerians Over Human, Drug Trafficking

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), has declared 14 Nigerians wanted for several offenses ranging from drug trafficking, human trafficking, robbery, cheating, forgery among others.

This was disclosed in a Red Noticed published on Tuesday on INTERPOL’s website, stating that the individuals are wanted by different countries where they had allegedly committed different crimes.

The wanted individuals are identified as; Felix Omoregie, Jessica Edosomwan, Uche Egbue, Bouhari Salif, Timloh Nkem, Austine Costa, Okromi Festus, Akachi Vitus, Mary Eze, Jude Uzoma, Chinedu Ezeunara, Benedict Okoro, Ikechukwu Obidiozor, and Alachi Stanley.

Felix Omoregie is wanted by the Belgian authority for allegedly leading a criminal organisation that exploits minors for prostitution.

The Red notice reads: “Family name: Omoregie, Forename: Felix, Gender: Male, Date of birth: 22/10/1977 (47 years old), Nationality: Nigeria. Charges: Sexual exploitation or exploitation of prostitution of minors over 16 years of age; Leadership of a criminal organization; Human trafficking for sexual exploitation.”

Jessica Edosomwan is wanted by the French authorities for alleged human trafficking and organised gang activities related to concealing or converting proceeds from crimes.

“….multiple victims trafficking in human beings, committed against several persons. Organised gang competition in an operation of placing, concealing or converting the proceeds of an offense.” The statement stated.

Uche Egbue is wanted by Argentinian authorities for alleged drug trafficking, while Jude Uzoma, Chinedu Ezeunara, and Benedict Okoro are wanted by Brazil, Uruguay, and Nicaragua, respectively, for related crimes.

Ikechukwu Obidiozor, Akachi Vitus, and Alachi Stanley are wanted by Angolan authorities for alleged kidnapping, robbery, and illegal possession of firearms.

Additionally, the notice also highlighted that Mary Eze is wanted by Denmark for alleged human trafficking, while Bouhari Salif is wanted by China for alleged drug smuggling, and Timloh Nkem is wanted by Canadian authorities for alleged sexual assault and failure to comply with a legal condition.

However, INTERPOL, noted that the Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant but a request for law enforcement agencies across the globe to help in locating an individual.

The statement read: “A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant.

“The individuals are wanted by the requesting member country or international tribunal. Member countries apply their laws in deciding whether to arrest a person.”

The agency also urged the public to report any information about the wanted individuals to their local police.