In a significant breakthrough, Uadiale Christiana Jacob, also known as Christy Evan Osagie or Christy Gold, a convicted leader of an international human trafficking syndicate, was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on December 31, 2024.
The arrest, carried out by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), marked the end of a five-year manhunt by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).
International Trafficking Network
Christy Gold, a prominent socialite, is alleged to have orchestrated the trafficking and sexual exploitation of underage Nigerian girls, primarily to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Her syndicate, which spans multiple Middle Eastern countries, has been linked to numerous cases of forced prostitution. Her accomplices, including Michael Nduka, Osas Wiseman, Vivian, and a certain “Prophet John” in Lagos, remain at large.
Trail of Crime
The case against Jacob began on March 18, 2020, when the NIS Ikeja Airport Command shared intelligence with NAPTIP’s Joint Border Task Force (JBTF). Following investigations, Jacob was arrested on October 13, 2020, in the Ikpoba Hill area of Benin City, Edo State.
She was charged at the Federal High Court, Asaba, Delta State, on November 25, 2020, but later absconded to Dubai, violating her bail terms.
A bench warrant for her arrest was issued on November 3, 2021, after repeated court absences. Despite her flight from justice, NAPTIP pursued the case, securing a conviction in absentia on March 21, 2024, by Justice F. A. Olubanjo at the Federal High Court in Asaba.
Collaboration and Persistence
To ensure her capture, NAPTIP collaborated with multiple agencies, including the Attorney General’s office, INTERPOL Nigeria, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and UAE authorities. A watchlist request filed on February 22, 2023, ultimately led to her arrest when she returned to Nigeria for New Year celebrations.
NAPTIP Statement
Vincent Adekoye, NAPTIP’s Press Officer, emphasized the agency’s unwavering commitment to combating human trafficking. “This arrest underscores our determination to bring traffickers to justice. We will not relent until all perpetrators, including her accomplices, face the law.”
Jacob’s sentencing will proceed following her court appearance. Her arrest is a testament to Nigeria’s resolve to dismantle trafficking networks and uphold justice for victims.