Amotekun arrests 14 suspected kidnappers, 31 others in Ondo

By Samuel Ogunsona

The Ondo State security network also known as the Amotekun Corps has arrested a total of 45 crime suspects across the state.

This was confirmed on Wednesday by the State Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye.

He said the suspects have all been identified and will face criminal charges for crimes.

However, the commander revealed that 14 of the arrested criminals are suspected kidnappers.

He said, “We arrested 14 kidnappers. We have a particular case where we were able to break the kidnap syndicate in Akoko LG. The two kidnapping victims are present and the bike the kidnappers were supplied with. In our strife to bring them out, the kidnapper that had already confessed was macheted in several places by his fellow kidnappers who wanted to cover up the crime.

“The officers of the corps rushed the suspected kidnapper to the hospital, and he was treated. He has given useful information.

“This kidnapping syndicate has confessed to several kidnapping activities in Akoko, Kogi and Edo areas. And we are still looking for their sponsor who is at large.

“We are reassuring the people that there is no hiding place for criminals in Ondo State,” he said.

According to Adeleye, the State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, in the Eid-el-Fitr festive period has ordered the release of 28 suspects using his perogative of mercy.

He said the 28 suspects were profiled first time offenders and their offenses were not of capital punishment.

“As of today, we are parading 45 suspected criminals that were picked up in the acts in the 18 LGA. A couple of weeks ago, we reassured the people of their safety during this festive period” Adeleye said.

He said among the 45 suspects, Amotekun have arrested 14 kidnappers, one arrested for dangerous driving, five burglary cases, two for anti-grazing offenses, four destruction of public peace, stealing and buying of stolen goods.
“In the spirit of the festive period, the Governor has directed that 28 of them, having been profiled as first-time offenders whose offences are not ones with capital punishment, are to be released to their next of kin for rehabilitation with a strict warning, not to perpetrated such acts again. The remaining will face the full wrath of the law for committing such crimes because we have profiled them, ” he stated

The commander gave full assurance that the Amotekun corps will not relent in ensuring maximum safety for the people of Ondo State.