In a dramatic turn of events, one of Nigeria’s most wanted female criminals, Uadiale Christiana Jacob, also known as “Christy Gold,” was arrested at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on December 31, 2024. The arrest, which comes after years of successful evasion, marks a major victory for the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and other Nigerian law enforcement agencies.
Christy Gold, a name that has become synonymous with international human trafficking, was apprehended by officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) as she returned from Dubai, where her criminal network operated for years. Her arrest follows a coordinated effort by various Nigerian agencies, including NAPTIP, the National Central Bureau (NCB), INTERPOL Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) police.
The socialite-turned-criminal, who had been on NAPTIP’s wanted list for over five years, is alleged to have led a sophisticated human trafficking syndicate responsible for recruiting and transporting underage Nigerian girls to Dubai for forced prostitution. “Her arrest is a significant step in our fight against human trafficking,” said Vincent Adekoye, Press Officer for NAPTIP, in a statement. “We will continue to work closely with our international partners to ensure that criminals like Christy Gold do not escape justice.”
Her involvement in trafficking young girls from Nigeria to the UAE for the sex trade has been a matter of grave concern for both Nigerian authorities and international organizations. Christy Gold operated with a network of field officers who assisted in recruiting the girls, often under false pretenses, and facilitating their transportation to Dubai. The operation was said to be widespread, involving a number of accomplices, including Michael Nduka, Osas Wiseman, Vivian, and Prophet John, whose whereabouts are still unknown.
The criminal mastermind’s journey to capture began in 2020, when she was initially arrested by NAPTIP in Benin City, Edo State, for her role in trafficking Nigerian girls. However, after being granted bail, she absconded to Dubai and continued to operate her illegal business, leaving behind a trail of victims and frustration for law enforcement. In her absence, a bench warrant was issued for her arrest, and her name was placed on a global watchlist.
Speaking about her history of evading justice, Adekoye added, “Christy Gold’s ability to evade arrest for so long is a testament to the challenges we face in tackling human trafficking. But thanks to the hard work of our officers and international cooperation, we were able to bring her to justice.”
NAPTIP had been working tirelessly to bring Gold back to Nigeria. “Despite her attempts to escape the law, we remained relentless in our pursuit,” noted the NAPTIP press release. The agency’s efforts to collaborate with international partners were instrumental in tracking her down. The UAE police had provided crucial intelligence, which eventually led to her arrest after her return to Nigeria.
Christy Gold’s arrest comes at a time when human trafficking is a growing concern in Nigeria, with thousands of women and girls being trafficked annually. Experts believe that the success of this operation could set a precedent for future efforts to combat the international trafficking syndicates that target vulnerable individuals.
While Christy Gold’s capture is a significant breakthrough, it is also a reminder of the ongoing fight against human trafficking. “This arrest should serve as a message to other human traffickers,” stated Adekoye. “The Nigerian government will stop at nothing to ensure that justice is served, and that those who exploit the most vulnerable will face the full force of the law.”
Her criminal activities, spanning several years, have caused immeasurable harm to numerous families, with many young girls being coerced into prostitution under the guise of job opportunities abroad. One victim, whose identity is protected, recalled her harrowing experience. “I thought I was going to work as a waitress, but I ended up in a life of slavery in Dubai,” she shared. “Christy Gold and her associates sold us like commodities.”
NAPTIP’s commitment to curbing human trafficking is unwavering. The agency continues to conduct awareness campaigns, offer support services for victims, and work with international law enforcement agencies to ensure that Nigeria’s borders remain secure from such illegal operations.
As of now, Christy Gold remains in custody, awaiting her day in court. Her trial is expected to serve as a stark warning to anyone involved in similar criminal activities. With her conviction in absentia in March 2024, Gold faces a lengthy sentence for her crimes, and the Nigerian government is determined to ensure she faces justice to the fullest extent.
As the authorities work to track down her remaining accomplices, many Nigerians are hopeful that her arrest will lead to the dismantling of the international human trafficking network she led. The fight against trafficking, however, is far from over, as the country’s law enforcement agencies prepare to take further action in the coming months.
