Christy Gold, a convicted human trafficker and leader of a major international trafficking syndicate, was arrested by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on December 31, 2024, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
Gold, known by her alias Uadiale Christiana Jacob, had been evading justice for years. A notorious figure, she was involved in trafficking young Nigerian girls to Dubai for sexual exploitation. Gold was placed on NAPTIP’s wanted list five years ago after her involvement in the illegal trade was uncovered by Nigerian authorities.
Her arrest came after a collaboration between NAPTIP and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), who apprehended her upon her return from Dubai. “I want to specially thank our sister law enforcement agency, the NIS, for the arrest of this convicted trafficker,” said Binta Bello, Director General of NAPTIP. “This successful operation shows the power of inter-agency collaboration in fighting human trafficking.”
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Gold’s criminal network, operating primarily across the Middle East, recruited and exploited underage girls, particularly from Nigeria. Despite being arrested in 2020 and granted bail, she absconded to Dubai, violating the court’s terms. A bench warrant was issued for her arrest in 2021 after her failure to appear in court.
Following extensive international coordination with organizations like INTERPOL, the Nigerian government continued its pursuit of Gold. “We are determined and decisive in our mission to protect Nigerians from trafficking and exploitation,” Bello added.
Gold’s conviction in absentia by a Federal High Court in March 2024 serves as a warning to others in the syndicate. NAPTIP is now intensifying efforts to apprehend her accomplices, including Michael Nduka, Osas Wiseman, and others, some of whom are still on the run.
Authorities believe these arrests mark a significant step in dismantling the international trafficking ring that has exploited vulnerable Nigerian women and girls for years.
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