Police raids brothel in Calabar, arrest 54 prostitutes

No fewer than 54 prostitutes alongside 58 men were on today arrested by police during a raid in a popular brothel called ‘Flour mill’ in the Calabar metropolis. The operation which was carried out by detectives from the Cross River State police command, was led by Governor Ben Ayade’s security adviser (SSA), Mr. Jude Ngaji.

Briefing newsmen after the operation, Ngaji said the brothel which used to be a hotel has now become a notorious place for commercial sex workers in Calabar.

He explained that the brothel poses a security threat in the State, adding that it now serves as a breeding ground for criminal activities. According to Ngaji, the brothel has become a hideout for criminals as well hard drug merchants in the State.

“Given the tourism status of Cross River, Gov. Ayade frowns on this despicable act where under aged girls are engaged in prostitution. He has therefore vowed to take drastic and decisive measures to stem the ugly trend. He has directed that the place be raided and shut down forthwith. Consequently, the governor has warned that other persons or groups involved in this unwholesome practice should in their own interest desist henceforth or face the wrath of the law”, he said.

The SSA, who advised teenage girls to always engage themselves in meaningful activities, said Nigeria does not have any law that legalizes prostitution. ``Each time you pass here at night, you find under-aged girls of about 13 and 14 years standing by and waiting for men.

This place has become an area of concern to the State and Cross Riverians. This place has become a Sodom and Gomorrah in Cross River and the raid was carried out to stop prostitution and criminality in the state. All the girls that were caught here are prostitutes and some of them were caught in a compromising position. No law legalizes prostitution in Nigeria. The girls would be tried in court and we will ensure that they are returned back to their respective states’’, he added.

Article written by Kanjal Godshield and sent in from Calabar