Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the release of 28 suspects arrested by men of the Ondo State Security Network code-named Amotekun Corps.

The suspects were among 45 suspects arrested across the 18 local governments for offences ranging from kidnapping to dangerous driving, burglary, anti-grazing, destruction of public peace, stealing and buying of stolen goods.

Commander of Ondo Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the 28 suspects had been profiled as first time offenders, whose offences were not of capital punishment.

He said the governor ordered the suspects to be released to their next of kin for rehabilitation.

According to him, “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  warning not to perpetrate such acts again.

“The remaining will face the full wrath of the law for committing such crime because we have profiled them.

“A couple of weeks ago, we reassured the people of their safety during this festive period. We have a particular case where we were able to break the kidnap syndicate in Akoko. In our effort to bring them out, the kidnapper that already confessed, was attacked with machete in several places by his fellow kidnapper, who wanted to cover up the crime.

“Officers of the Corps took the kidnapper to hospital and he was treated. He has given us useful information.

“This kidnap syndicate has confessed to several kidnapping activities in Akoko, Kogi and Edo area. 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.”