The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has arrested 28 suspects over their alleged involvement in various criminal activities across different parts of the state.
Among those arrested are a 56-year-old man, Iliasu, and his three sons — Usman (33), Wahab (27), and Yakubu (18) — who were apprehended in connection with the alleged abduction of a man in Oba Akoko, located in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Addressing journalists at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure on Tuesday, the Commander of the Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, alleged that the family had been involved in kidnapping operations, using cattle rearing as a cover for their criminal activities.
According to Adeleye, security operatives had been tracking one of the suspects since 2024 over alleged kidnapping incidents in the Northern Senatorial District before finally apprehending him during a recent operation.
“There is a particular suspect that we have been trailing since 2024 over kidnapping activities in the Northern Senatorial District. I’m glad to inform you that the long arm of the law finally caught up with him during an operation carried out within the last four days,” he said.
The Amotekun commander explained that the victim was kidnapped while travelling to Oba Akoko, after which his family paid the demanded ransom without notifying security agencies. Despite receiving the payment, the kidnappers reportedly refused to release the victim and warned the family against reporting the incident.
He said the family eventually contacted the Amotekun Corps after the abductors failed to fulfil their promise.
“Immediately the report reached us, we launched an operation. Our investigation revealed that the father and his three sons were directly involved in the crime while using cattle as a disguise for their activities,” Adeleye stated.
He disclosed that during the rescue operation, the suspects allegedly attacked Amotekun operatives, but the victim was successfully rescued.
According to him, the kidnappers had inflicted machete and knife injuries on the victim, leaving him with serious head wounds before his rescue.
The victim was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Adeleye added that operatives recovered more than 75 per cent of the ransom paid to the kidnappers, as well as drugs, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and a suspected blindfold allegedly used to cover the victim’s eyes.
The Amotekun commander also announced several other arrests made during recent operations across the state.
He said Musa and Aruna were arrested in connection with kidnapping-related offences in Owo.
He further disclosed that suspects identified as Mohammed, Tekasu, Rabi, Abubakar and Saibu, alongside Kalij and Adamu, were arrested over alleged armed banditry.
On allegations involving illegal possession of firearms, robbery and cult-related activities, Adeleye said Ayodele (26), Oluwatobi (24) and Michael (34) were taken into custody.
He also confirmed the arrest of Olagi over alleged rape and theft.
In Akure South Local Government Area, Idowu and Taiwo were arrested over alleged conspiracy and the theft of a generator.
Similarly, Olatunde (39), Abdul (27) and Amodu David were apprehended for alleged conspiracy and the theft of food items.
Also arrested for alleged conspiracy and breach of peace in Oke-Ijebu, Akure, were Akpaba Felix (30), Agbonuma Abigail (25), Mak (24), Kelvin (24), Kuma (27) and Tuk (24).
Reaffirming the agency’s commitment to tackling crime, Adeleye declared that Ondo State has zero tolerance for criminal activities.
He stressed that criminals would no longer find safe havens either in the forests or within urban communities.
“The Amotekun Corps has been strategically deployed across every part of the state to ensure that residents and commuters carry out their lawful activities without fear or intimidation,” he said.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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