NAPTIP, NIS Apprehend Human Trafficker Wanted For Five Years
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), in partnership with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has apprehended Uadiale Christiana Jacob, also known as Christy Gold, a notorious human trafficker who has been on the agency’s wanted list for five years.
In a press release signed by NAPTIP’s press officer, Vincent Adekoye, on Friday, the agency confirmed that Christy Gold was arrested on December 31, 2024, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon her return from Dubai.
Christy Gold is the leader of an international trafficking syndicate that lured underage Nigerian girls with false promises of jobs abroad, only to force them into prostitution in Dubai.
She was convicted in absentia by the Federal High Court, Asaba, in March 2024, following years of investigation by NAPTIP.
Despite her conviction, she evaded justice by fleeing the country in 2021 while on bail, prompting the court to issue a bench warrant for her arrest.
NAPTIP’s press release detailed that Christy Gold worked alongside several accomplices, including Michael Nduka, Osas Wiseman, Vivian, and Prophet John.
These individuals are believed to have facilitated the recruitment and trafficking of victims to the UAE.
While her accomplices remain at large, intelligence efforts have been intensified to track and arrest them.
The arrest of Christy Gold was made possible through extensive inter-agency collaboration, including support from INTERPOL, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the NIS.
NAPTIP placed her on a watchlist in February 2023, and the vigilance of NIS officers on duty at the Abuja airport led to her capture as she attempted to re-enter Nigeria for New Year celebrations.
Speaking on the arrest, NAPTIP Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, commended the NIS for their swift action and described the arrest as a significant victory in the fight against human trafficking.
“This is a clear demonstration of effective inter-agency cooperation. Christy Gold’s arrest sends a strong message to traffickers that they can only hide for so long. Justice will eventually catch up with them,” Bello said.
She added that NAPTIP is committed to dismantling trafficking syndicates and ensuring justice for victims.
“We are making 2025 a nightmare for human traffickers. No criminal involved in exploiting vulnerable Nigerians will go unpunished,” she vowed.
NAPTIP has confirmed that Christy Gold will be taken to the Federal High Court, Asaba, to face sentencing.
