In a major breakthrough against transactional organized crime, the police have apprehended two internationally wanted fugitives accused of human trafficking and armed robbery.
The suspects, identified as Felix Omoregie, also known as “Eghosa Johnson Omoregie,” and Okwudili Sabastine Ezeje, were sought by authorities in Belgium and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for their alleged involvement in these crimes.
Police Spokesman ACP Olumiya Adejobi revealed in a statement that Omoregie was arrested in Benin City, Edo State, after a meticulous investigation, while Ezeje was apprehended at his hideout in Enugu.
Omoregie, reportedly the leader of a human trafficking syndicate, was declared wanted by Belgian authorities through an INTERPOL Red Notice issued on December 19, 2019. He is accused of orchestrating the large-scale trafficking of young Nigerian women, including minors, to Italy and other parts of Europe for sexual exploitation.
The police further disclosed that Omoregie’s victims were subjected to psychological manipulation and voodoo-based oaths. They were coerced into fabricated debts ranging between €20,000 and €50,000, which were used as tools for control and exploitation.
“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 an operation by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja, at a hideout in Nsukka, Enugu State.
“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.
“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 operatives involved in the arrests for their professionalism, diligence and dedication to upholding Nigeria’s international law enforcement obligations, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, said the force would remain committed to enhancing its global policing partnerships and ensuring that fugitives find no safe haven within Nigeria’s borders.
“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 added.