Libyan Police Accused Of ‘Selling’ Nigerian Woman To Detention Site, Demanding ₦5,000 Dinars For Her Release
A Nigerian woman identified as Victoria has reportedly been transferred to a Libyan detention site known as Oshofana after her arrest, with alleged police officers demanding 5,000 Libyan dinars for her release.
According to SaharaReporters, Victoria was arrested on October 19, 2026, while trying to earn money to survive as she awaited her return to Nigeria.
A Nigerian advocate said Victoria reached out in distress, alleging that officers demanded her passport during the arrest. When she presented her work permit, locally called Pataka, they allegedly tore it up before taking her to Oshofana, where she was reportedly told to pay 5,000 dinars to regain her freedom.
In a desperate message, Victoria wrote,“Police people sell me inside oshofana please help me out.”
She explained that she was borrowing someone else’s phone to seek assistance, adding,“I borrow someone phone and if the person leave I will not be able to talk to you again.”
In another message, she said, “Hello ma the person want to go I will call you with another phone okay ma.”
The advocate disclosed that Victoria’s last voice message, received on October 20, was whispered and sounded fearful. There has reportedly been no further communication from her, raising concerns about her whereabouts and safety.
“I am worried for her (Victoria) safety,” the source said, urging urgent intervention.
NAPTIP spokesperson Vincent Adekoye told SaharaReporters the agency had not previously received information about the incident but promised action.
“The Agency is not aware of this before now. However, I will forward it to the appropriate Department for immediate action,” he said, urging Victoria’s relatives to contact the agency.
The case comes amid reports of growing hostility towards Nigerians and other African migrants in Libya, with some reportedly facing threats, workplace warnings, eviction notices and fears of arrest. Residents said circulating messages had fuelled uncertainty over their safety, with some advising migrants to leave or avoid going outside.
