On Friday, the Ondo State security outfit known as the Amotekun Corps showcased 51 individuals apprehended for a range of criminal activities across the state.
Among those presented was a suspected supplier of weapons to kidnappers, alongside several alleged kidnappers who have been causing unrest in various communities.
At the Command headquarters in Akure, the state capital, the Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, revealed that the arrests were made primarily within the state’s forested areas, targeting offenders involved in diverse crimes.
Adeleye detailed that out of the 51 detainees, 37 were accused of disturbing public peace, six were linked to major kidnapping cases, and one individual was charged with sexual assault.
Highlighting a decline in criminal incidents, the Commander credited the Amotekun Rangers’ forest patrols for dismantling a notorious kidnapping ring that had been operating in the region.
The suspected arms dealer admitted to participating in five significant kidnapping operations within Ondo State.
Commander Adeleye identified some of the suspects by name and age: “We have Lugag, 21; Andrew, 40; Eze Chinedu, 30; along with Ime, Yahaya, and their local accomplice, Seun, all suspected kidnappers.
“Regarding human trafficking, Ibrahim, 42, and Agu Joseph, a former inmate who escaped from Okitipupa prison before being re-arrested by Amotekun operatives, are in custody.
“For attempted robbery, suspects include Kehinde, 30; Folarin, 36; and their associates Aliu, 28, Lukman, 25, and Mada, 25.
“In the case of sexual assault, Amos Kingsley, 29, has been detained. Additionally, for violations of the anti-open grazing law in Akure North and Pelebe, Liman, Abubaka, and Isa, 50, were arrested.
“One Sadiq, 27, who had been granted administrative bail but fled the state, was tracked and apprehended. Other suspects specializing in burglary include Sani, Joshua, and Pelumi.
“We also uncovered a group masquerading as scrap metal collectors who were actually informants and collaborators aiding kidnappers and robbers. These include David Abdul, 22; Abdullai, 27; Sani, 22; Ahmed, 26; Emma, 20; Dayo, 27; and Marcello Buhari, 25. They were involved in stealing generators, equipment, and breaking into homes under the guise of scavenging at dump sites.
“Following thorough interrogations, 35 of these suspects are scheduled to appear before the appropriate courts today,” the Amotekun Corps Commander concluded.
