Two suspected child traffickers who were arrested by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons have escaped from custody.
The two suspects identified as 36-year-old Linus Okeke, from Abia State, and 34-year-old Godwin Nomyange escaped from the agency’s custody in Lagos State.
According to Punch Nigeria the two suspects were aided by officers of the anti-trafficking agency to escape from the custody two weeks ago.
It was gathered that the suspects were arrested for allegedly trafficking some minors and thereafter held in custody, awaiting prosecution before they escaped from custody.
The Head Public relations of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Stella Nezan, who confirmed the escape on Friday, said the officials who aided the suspects’ escape had been dismissed by the agency, and would soon be prosecuted for their culpability in the crime.
She said NAPTIP had launched a manhunt for the two runaway suspects.
She said, “NAPTIP has declared two men wanted for human trafficking offences. The suspects from Benue State were unfortunately aided by ex-officers of the agency to escape from custody.
“The NAPTIP Director-General, Julie Okah-Donli, has therefore called on the public to please report any knowledge of their whereabouts to the agency, or the nearest police station. They are considered a threat to society and should be made to face the music.”