The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of two high-profile international fugitives wanted for serious transnational crimes, marking a major success in the country’s efforts to combat global organized crime networks.
In a statement from the Force headquarters, Abuja, Felix Omoregie, also known as “Eghosa Johnson Omoregie,” a fugitive wanted by Belgian authorities for his role in a major human trafficking syndicate, was apprehended in Benin City, Edo State.
Omoregie had been declared wanted under an INTERPOL Red Notice issued on December 19, 2023. He is accused of trafficking young Nigerian women, including minors, to Italy and across Europe for sexual exploitation.
Authorities say he used ritual oaths and psychological manipulation to control victims, burdening them with fake debts ranging from €20,000 to €50,000.
Following a 2021 conviction in absentia by a Belgian court for multiple counts of aggravated human trafficking and heading a criminal organization, Omoregie fled to Nigeria. Police recovered incriminating items from his residence, including a passport copy tied to an attempted escape to Canada. He is scheduled to be arraigned at the Federal High Court in Benin City.
In a separate operation, 37-year-old Okwudili Sabastine Ezeje was arrested in Nsukka, Enugu State. Ezeje is wanted in the United Arab Emirates for a series of violent crimes including armed robbery, drug trafficking, and cult-related activities.
Investigations, according to the police, revealed that Ezeje continued to orchestrate criminal operations in the UAE from Nigeria, with direct links to multiple high-profile robberies in Dubai and Sharjah—including incidents at Dubai Mall and the Al Ansari Exchange in Jumeirah.
The arrests were made possible through coordinated efforts by the Nigeria Police Force, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), and the Dubai Police, underscoring the growing strength of international law enforcement collaboration.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, praised the professionalism and diligence of the operatives involved, reiterating the Force’s commitment to international policing standards and cooperation.
“These arrests send a strong message that fugitives will find no safe haven in Nigeria,” he stated, calling on citizens to support ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime at home and abroad.