The National National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons NAPTIP, has disclosed the arrest of a suspected arrowhead of an international

human trafficking network operating across the Middle Eastern countries with an operational base in the United Arab Emirate (UAE) Dubai.

The suspect, Uadiale Christiana, popularly called Christy Gold, according to the agency, had been on its wanted list in the past five years.

She was arrested by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Serce, NIS at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on December 31, 2024, on arrival from Dubai for the new year celebration. Thereafter, she was handed over to NAPTIP

Explaining how she was arrested, NAPTIP’s Press Officer, Mr Vincent Adekoye recalled that “on March 18, 2020, the Nigeria Immigration Service Ikeja Airport Command shared intelligence with NAPTIP Joint Border Task Force/Benin Satellite Office (JBTF/BSO) in respect of one Uadiale Jacob ,of number 15 Osagie Street, Off 2nd Power Line, Egbon Estate, Benin City, Edo State.

“Uadiale Jacob popularly known as Christy Gold is a senior member of an organized human trafficking syndicate notorious for the recruitment, trafficking and sexually exploiting of underage Nigerian girls in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

“Following the Agency’s investigation into the alleged offense to establish culpability, she was arrested by NAPTIP in Ikpoba Hill area, Benin City on October 13, 2020 for her involvement in the trafficking of aged Nigerian girls to Dubai, United Arab Emirates for forced prostitution.

“She was charged to the Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State on the 25th of November 2020, where she was granted bail. While on Court bail, she violated the terms of the bail and absconded to Dubai. After failing severally to appear before the Court, a Bench Warrant was therefore issued by the sitting Judge on November 3,2021 for her arrest.

“To get Christiana Uadiale Jacob to face justice for her crimes, NAPTIP sought the assistance and collaboration of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, National Central Bureau (NCB), INTERPOL Nigeria, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the United Arab Emirates Police for her arrest and extraction to Nigeria.

“ Even while she tried to evade justice, NAPTIP did not relent and as a result of our diligent prosecution of the case, Christiana Uadiale Jacob was convicted for human trafficking in absentia by Honourable Justice F . A Olubanjo of the Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State on March 21, 2024 with sentencing being awaited whenever she is rearrested and brought before the Honourable Court.

Luck however ran out on her on the 31st of December 2024, as Officers Nigeria Immigration Service acting in respect of NAPTIP’s request for watchlisting dated February 22,2023, nabbed her on arrival to Nigeria.

“Her suspected other accomplices: Michael Nduka, Osas Wiseman, Vivian, and a certain Prophet John in Lagos along with others are field officers who assist in the recruitment and subsequent transfer of victims to Christy Gold, are still on the run”, Adekoya stated.

Speaking on the development, Director General of NAPTIP, Binta Adamu lauded the efforts of the Nigerian Immigration Service for the arrest, describing it as a commendable demonstration of inter-agency collaboration.

She recalled that “ few weeks ago, I visited the Comptroller General of NIS and the outcome of that advocacy visit is this improved synergy and very efficient collaboration. The convict that has been arrested and convicted will surely be taken to the Court to face the sentence by the Law.

“This is a clear message to other members of this international criminal gang who are still on the run: They can only hide for a while; they can never hide forever. We have already activated all necessary security and intelligence apparatus, and our partners around the world are on the lookout for these elements. Very soon, the net will catch them.

“I am happy it was a sad end for human traffickers in the country in 2024 and we promise them a hell in 2025. We are more determined and will be more decisive this year to fish them out and ensure the protection of Nigerians from trafficking, exploitation, and violence against persons, the Director General stated.