By Adenike Lawal
Fugitive human trafficker, Uadiale Christiana Jacob, also known as Christy Evan Osagie or Christy Gold, was arrested at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on December 31, 2024. Jacob, a convicted socialite and leader of a Dubai-based trafficking syndicate, had been on Nigeria’s most-wanted list for five years.
Her arrest was carried out by Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), officers upon her return for New Year celebrations.
According to NAPTIP spokesperson Vincent Adekoye, Jacob is part of a syndicate that traffics underage Nigerian girls to Dubai for sexual exploitation.
Her accomplices, including Michael Nduka and Osas Wiseman, remain at large.
Jacob’s criminal record dates back to March 2020, when intelligence from the NIS led NAPTIP to investigate her trafficking activities.
She was first arrested on October 13, 2020, but fled to Dubai after violating her bail conditions.
A bench warrant for her arrest was issued on November 3, 2021, and she was convicted in absentia on March 21, 2024.
NAPTIP, in collaboration with INTERPOL Nigeria and UAE authorities, tracked her down. With her re-arrest, her sentencing is now imminent.
NAPTIP Director-General Binta Bello praised the NAPTIP-NIS collaboration, calling it a model for inter-agency efforts against trafficking.
She warned other traffickers that they cannot evade justice indefinitely and reaffirmed NAPTIP’s commitment to protecting Nigerians from exploitation in 2025.
