The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, on Monday paraded 35 men alleged to have been involved in various criminal activities across the state.
The suspects were apprehended in different locations within the 18 local government areas of Ondo State over the course of a week. The parade took place at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure, the state capital.
The corps’ commander, Akogun Adetunji, said the suspects were involved in crimes including kidnapping, theft, attempted rape, and human trafficking. Some of the suspects identified include Musa Momodu, Abdullahi David Shamisu, Ismail Benard Isiaka Abdullahi, Shehu Suleiman Abdullahi, Eyinloju Taiwo, Eyinloju Kejinde, Modest Mika, Emmanuel Ayodeji, Tope Dada, and Saliu Musa.
Adetunji said, “Today, we are parading a total of 35 suspects. These suspects include individuals involved in various criminal activities. We arrested 19 for breaking law and order, three for human trafficking, 11 for kidnapping, and two for rape.
“Regarding human trafficking, three suspects defrauded a victim of about 1.4 million cedis under the pretext of bringing someone from Togo to Nigeria to help secure a Canadian visa. The victim was held hostage for about two weeks before escaping and reporting to Amotekun. Operatives recovered the money and passports, which were returned to the victim, who has been reunited with her family.”
He added that 11 suspects were linked to kidnapping-related cases in Akure and other local government areas. He also noted that criminal activities have reduced significantly since the enforcement of a night-time ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada), leading to fewer house break-ins and related crimes.
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On motorcycle theft, Adetunji said, “Six suspects were involved in stealing motorcycles. They reportedly used weapons such as sticks to attack riders before dispossessing them of their motorcycles. They dismantled the stolen motorcycles and sold them as spare parts. The suspects have been arrested and will be made to reassemble the motorcycles.”
He also highlighted a swift response to a distress call in Owo, where a Lexus Jeep was stolen. “Roads leading in and out of the town were cordoned off, and the vehicle was successfully recovered within hours,” Adetunji said.
On the enforcement of the commercial motorcycle night operation ban, the Amotekun Corps revealed that over 120 motorcycles had been impounded across the 18 LGAs for violating the directive. The corps also reported that about 14,000 Okada riders have registered with the agency, and registration is still ongoing.
Adetunji reiterated that enforcement efforts would continue and that defaulters would be sanctioned according to the law.
