By Ayodele Popoola

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The Ondo State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun, has arraigned four suspects arrested for their alleged involvement in kidnapping in the state.

The suspects: Friday Ojo, Ben Moses, Lucky Kundus, and Yakubu Monday were brought to court on four counts charge of conspiracy, kidnapping, aiding and abetting and stealing.

According to the state prosecutor, O.F Akeredolu, the defendants and others at large committed the offences at different locations in the state.

Akeredolu said Ojo, on February 12, 2025 was found wandering around  10am at Ise-Akoko of Akoko North East, without a reasonable reason in the forest.

He said Ojo was arrested in the forest where a kidnap victim, one Mrs Agape was rescued, with a mobile phone alleged to be an informant for the kidnappers operating in the area.

Akeredolu further stated that the trio, Moses, Kundus and Monday, at Oke-Oge Camp, Airport area of Akure conspired and aided the kidnapping of their boss, Mrs Agape.

On December 31, 2024 at Shasha market in the Akure area of Ondo state, the trio stole tomatoes and pepper valued N52,000 belonging to the victim, shortly after she was kidnapped.

The offences, according to the charge contravene Sections 5 of the Ondo State Anti-Kidnapping and Abduction Law, 2010 and Section 390 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006.

Based on the nature of the offences committed, Akerodolu urged the court to remand them at the Olokuta Correctional Centre, pending the issuance of advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

However, the defence counsel G.O Bernard prayed the court for an adjournment to enable the defence reply the application on points of law.

Magistrate Damilola Sekoni adjourned the case till April 18, to rule on the application.

Sekoni ordered that the defendants be remanded at Olokuta Correctional Centre Akure.