THE Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has paraded 28 individuals arrested for various alleged criminal offences, including a father and his three sons accused of involvement in a kidnapping operation in the state’s northern senatorial district.
Speaking during the parade at the corps’ headquarters in Akure, Amotekun Commander Adetunji Adeleye alleged that the family concealed its criminal activities under the guise of cattle herding.
The suspects were identified as Iliasu, 56, alongside his sons, Usman, 33, Wahab, 27, and Yakubu, 18.
According to Adeleye, the eldest son, who allegedly participated in previous kidnapping activities, had left the state about two years ago before returning recently to coordinate the abduction of a traveller heading to Oba Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government Area.
He disclosed that although the victim’s family paid a ransom without informing Amotekun, the victim remained in captivity.
Adeleye explained that the kidnappers had instructed the family not to report the incident to security authorities.
The commander reiterated that the corps does not support ransom payments, noting that the recovered money displayed during the briefing would be returned to the victim’s family since it belonged to them.
Adeleye also announced the arrest of seven suspects identified as Mohammed, Tekasu, Rabi, Abubakar, Saibu, Kalij, and Adamu over alleged armed banditry.
In separate operations, Amotekun arrested Ayodele, 26, Oluwatobi, 24, and Michael, 34, for alleged illegal possession of firearms, robbery, and cult-related activities.
Another suspect, Olagi, was apprehended over alleged rape and theft.
The corps further arrested Idowu and Taiwo in Akure South Local Government Area for alleged conspiracy and the theft of a generator. Abdul, 27, Amodu David, and another suspect identified only as 39 were also taken into custody over the alleged theft of food items.
Additionally, six suspects Akpaba Felix, 30, Agbonuma Abigail, 25, Mak, 24, Kelvin, 24, Kuma, 27, and Tuk, 24 were arrested at Oke-Ijebu in Akure on allegations of conspiracy and breach of the peace.
Amotekun said investigations into the various cases are ongoing, while the suspects are expected to face prosecution in accordance with the law.
