In a major breakthrough in the fight against transnational crime, the Nigeria Police Force has apprehended two high-profile fugitives wanted in connection with human trafficking and armed robbery across Europe and the Middle East.
The suspects—Felix Omoregie, also known as Eghosa Johnson Omoregie, and Okwudili Sabastine Ezeje—were arrested in separate intelligence-led operations carried out in Edo and Enugu States, respectively.
Omoregie, who has been on the run since 2021 following a conviction in absentia by Belgian authorities for aggravated human trafficking and running a criminal network, was arrested in Benin City. He is accused of trafficking young Nigerian women—including minors—to Italy and other parts of Europe, subjecting them to psychological control using voodoo-based oaths and forcing them into sex work under fabricated debts ranging from €20,000 to €50,000. Authorities recovered incriminating materials from his residence, including a photocopy of a passport he allegedly intended to use for a move to Canada. He is expected to be arraigned at the Federal High Court in Benin.
The Force spokesman, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi stated that in a separate operation, INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau in Abuja tracked down 37-year-old Ezeje at a hideout in Nsukka, Enugu State. Ezeje is wanted by UAE authorities for a series of armed robberies, drug trafficking, and cult-related activities. He has been linked to high-profile heists in Dubai and Sharjah, including attacks on Al Ansari Exchange, a grocery store in Dubai Mall, and a Bureau de Change in Jebel Ali Village. Intelligence reports suggest he was still coordinating criminal activities remotely from Nigeria.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, praised the collaborative efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Dubai Police, which led to the arrests. He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to global policing standards and emphasized that Nigeria will not serve as a refuge for international fugitives.
“These arrests underscore our resolve to ensure that those who commit crimes—whether at home or abroad—will be held accountable,” said IGP Egbetokun. “We will continue to strengthen international partnerships to combat organized crime and ensure justice is served.”
The suspects will face prosecution in accordance with Nigeria’s legal obligations and international treaties.