Ibadan-born victim reportedly starved, abused, and abandoned as agent deflects responsibility; NAPTIP pledges urgent intervention.

A Nigerian woman trafficked to Iraq under deceptive circumstances is now battling for her life, with disturbing allegations of abuse, starvation, and an attempted organ harvesting plot.

Ogundele Oluwakemi Victoria, from Ibadan in Oyo State, is reportedly in critical condition after months of exploitation in Iraq. Her situation was brought to light by Damilola Adekola of Hopes Haven Foundation, who disclosed that she is suffering severe physical and mental deterioration.

According to Victoria’s sister, Titilayo, the family only learned of her travel plans shortly before her departure. The agent handling her trip had allegedly warned her not to inform anyone until everything was finalised.

Despite strong objections from family members, Victoria proceeded with the journey after being told she could no longer withdraw.

Once in Iraq, communication became irregular. During brief conversations, she reportedly revealed she was being mistreated and denied food. Her sister raised the alarm through Ibadan-based Agidigbo FM, but the agent allegedly dismissed the claims as false and cut off contact.

Weeks later, Victoria became unreachable.

A Nigerian acquaintance in Iraq, identified as Lady B, later provided chilling details of Victoria’s ordeal. She claimed the victim was repeatedly extorted by her agent, who demanded additional payments even after collecting five months’ salary and $150.

Lady B also recounted a frightening episode in which Victoria suspected a plot against her. After refusing a drink offered in her employer’s home, she was taken to a hospital where a nurse allegedly warned her to flee over fears her kidney could be taken.

Victoria reportedly escaped to a police station but was returned to an agency, which then reassigned her to another household. There, she was allegedly banned from using a phone and threatened with violence.

Her condition worsened over time.

Months later, she was found at an agency office in Baghdad in a severely weakened state—unable to speak and reportedly left without proper care for weeks. Friends pooled resources to provide food and basic support, while efforts to reach her agent proved futile.

Another Nigerian, known as Mama Tee, said she intervened by sending a nurse to assess Victoria, who confirmed her fragile mental state. She added that the agency threatened to abandon Victoria if no one took responsibility for her.

Victoria has since been moved out of the agency facility and is now under the care of concerned Nigerians, but her condition remains critical and requires urgent medical attention.

Meanwhile, her agent, identified as Mr. Kazeem, admitted facilitating her trip but denied responsibility for her current situation. He claimed he handed her over to another agent and lacks the means to secure her return.

Rather than outline concrete steps, Kazeem repeatedly called for prayers, insisting that only divine intervention could save her. He declined to provide details about her travel documents or respond to allegations of illegal trafficking.

Nigeria’s anti-trafficking agency, NAPTIP, has expressed concern over the case and promised swift action. Spokesperson Vincent Adekoye said efforts would be made to rescue Victoria and bring those responsible to justice.

Victoria’s case underscores the growing crisis of human trafficking involving Nigerian women in the Middle East, where many continue to face harsh and exploitative conditions in search of better opportunities.