Nigerian Police Nab International Fugitives Wanted for Human Trafficking and Dubai Robberies

Nigerian Police Nab International Fugitives Wanted for Human Trafficking and Dubai Robberies

In a major success against transnational organized crime, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested two internationally wanted fugitives involved in human trafficking and armed robbery.

The suspects, Felix Omoregie, alias “Eghosa Johnson Omoregie,” and Okwudili Sabastine Ezeje, were declared wanted by Belgian and United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities for their alleged roles in serious criminal offenses.

According to Police Spokesman ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Omoregie was apprehended in Benin City, Edo State, following intelligence-led operations. Ezeje was captured at his hideout in Enugu State.

Omoregie is reportedly the leader of a human trafficking ring that transported young Nigerian women and minors to Italy, where they were forced into sexual exploitation across Europe. He was declared wanted by Belgian authorities via an INTERPOL Red Notice on December 19, 2019.

“The victims were subjected to voodoo-based oaths and psychological coercion, with fabricated debts ranging between €20,000 and €50,000 used to manipulate and control them,” Adejobi stated.

“His criminal network involved handlers in Brussels and France who managed the victims’ activities and remitted proceeds to him. Following a conviction in absentia in Belgium in 2021 for multiple counts of aggravated human trafficking and criminal organization leadership, Omoregie fled to Nigeria.

Upon his arrest, a search of his premises revealed incriminating materials, including a photocopy of a passport intended for a planned relocation to Canada.

He was arrested in Benin City, Edo State, following diligent intelligence and enforcement efforts by Police operatives. He is scheduled to be arraigned at the Federal High Court in Benin City,” stated Adejobi.

Ezeje, 37, was arrested in Nsukka, Enugu State, during a coordinated operation by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja.

“Ezeje is wanted by authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a series of serious crimes including armed robbery, cultism, drug trafficking and other organized criminal activities.

Read also: 12 Killed in Fresh Attacks in Plateau, Benue as Army Warns of Cattle Influx Threat

Intelligence gathered reveals that Ezeje continued to coordinate criminal operations remotely from Nigeria. He has been directly linked to several high-profile robberies in Dubai and Sharjah, including an armed robbery at a grocery store in Dubai Mall, a targeted hit on Al Ansari Exchange in Jumeirah, and another heist at a Bureau de Change in Jebel Ali Village.

The arrest was the result of strategic intelligence sharing and operational collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Dubai Police. The arraignment of Okwudili Ezeje is expected to take place shortly,” said Adejobi.

Commending the law enforcement teams involved, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun reiterated the force’s commitment to global law enforcement partnerships and its zero-tolerance approach to transnational crimes.

“These arrests serve as a clear message that criminal elements, no matter how far they run or how long they hide, will be brought to justice. The Force calls on citizens to remain vigilant and cooperative in the fight against organized crime, both at home and abroad,” he said.