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Uadiale Christiana Jacob, also known as Christy Evan Osagie or Christy Gold, a convicted leader of an international human trafficking syndicate, was apprehended by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The suspect, who had evaded capture for five years, was arrested on December 31, 2024, upon her return from Dubai, where she was celebrating the New Year.
According to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Christiana Jacob is the mastermind behind a trafficking network that exploits young Nigerian girls, forcing them into prostitution in Dubai and other Middle Eastern countries.
NAPTIP Press Officer Vincent Adekoye confirmed the arrest, stating that Christiana Jacob had been on their watchlist since February 22, 2023, following a formal request to the NIS.
The statement revealed, “Her accomplices, including Michael Nduka, Osas Wiseman, Vivian, and one Prophet John in Lagos, remain at large. These individuals are believed to be field officers who assist in recruiting and trafficking victims for Christy Gold’s operation.”
The suspect was initially arrested by NAPTIP on October 13, 2020, in Benin City, Edo State, following investigations into her activities. She was subsequently charged at the Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State, on November 25, 2020, and granted bail. However, she violated the bail terms and absconded to Dubai, prompting a bench warrant for her arrest on November 3, 2021.
Despite her efforts to evade justice, NAPTIP continued its pursuit, collaborating with agencies such as INTERPOL Nigeria, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the NIS, and UAE authorities. These efforts culminated in her conviction in absentia on March 21, 2024, by Justice F.A. Olubanjo of the Federal High Court, Asaba. The sentencing was deferred pending her rearrest.
“Luck ran out on her on December 31, 2024, when NIS officers acted on our request and detained her upon arrival in Nigeria,” Adekoye noted.
NAPTIP has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all individuals involved in human trafficking face justice. Investigations into the whereabouts of Christiana Jacob’s accomplices are ongoing as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle the syndicate.