By Tola Gbadamosi
The Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has arrested twenty-seven suspected criminals, including three young farmers accused of kidnapping a traveller.
The three farmers arrested for kidnapping are: Obanobi Temitayo, aged 19; Ogundele Ojo, aged 20; and a third suspect whose details were not provided.
Parading the suspects, the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the three kidnappers, who claimed to be farmers, were apprehended in a forest near the border town of Ikakumo, in the Akoko-Kogi/Edo states axis.
According to Akogun Adeleye, a notorious Okada (motorcycle) thief named Michael Ojo was apprehended in the Owo/Akoko area for stealing numerous motorcycles, which he sold for amounts ranging between N30,000 and N50,000.
The Amotekun Commander also paraded a group of armed robbers who specialised in looting mattresses.
“We are parading 27 suspected criminals involved in various security breaches across Ondo State. I want to emphasise that despite some isolated security incidents, the overall security situation in the state remains stable.”
“For example, regarding law and order, we have 22 suspects under investigation. There are no pending enforcement issues, no infringements, and no land or chieftaincy disputes. We have resolved five out of six cases of farmer/herder clashes, and the remaining one is set to go to court. We have no cases of human trafficking today.”
“We have four kidnap suspects undergoing interrogation. Student affairs remain peaceful, militancy is under control, and both the political and religious atmospheres are calm. Cultism is also under control.”
“As for the 27 suspects, we have Michael Ojo. You may recall that during our last parade, we arrested a key member of a syndicate specialising in killing Okada riders and robbing them. Some members of the gang had escaped, but we tracked and arrested Michael Ojo, who is now here on parade.”
“He has confessed to stealing numerous motorcycles, admitting that he lost count of how many. He dismantled them and transported the parts out of the state. He has been engaged in this for the past five years but intensified his activities over the last year due to the increased demand and price of Okadas. He operated in Akure and moved to either Uso or Ogbese, selling the stolen motorcycles for N30,000 or N50,000.”
“We also have Oladimeji and Imole, who are involved in stealing parked motorcycles.”
“Additionally, we have Usman Shehu, Ojo, Temidayo, and Pelemo, who have been involved in kidnapping activities around the Ikakumo-Akoko area. All four of them are here.”
“Another suspect, Akerele Ibrahim, who has been evading arrest for some time, was finally apprehended. He had previously threatened to kill a farmer after destroying his farmland in the Akoko area. We have him here today.”
“Regarding anti-grazing activities, we have arrested Wakili Ibrahim multiple times. Since he has shown no signs of repentance, he will now face the full wrath of the law.”
“We also arrested individuals who specialise in breaking into shops. A shop selling mattresses was completely emptied, and the stolen goods were sold at very low prices. For instance, a mattress worth N100,000 was sold for N10,000 or even N5,000. It should be clear to buyers that these are stolen goods. This serves as a warning to people at home.”
“We also have five individuals who stole household equipment and foodstuffs, possibly due to the current economic situation. We plan to resolve their cases using alternative dispute resolution, and where possible, we will return the stolen items to their rightful owners.”
“The Amotekun Rangers have been very effective since their launch. For example, it was through their efforts that we were able to arrest these criminals hiding in the border towns between Edo and Kogi states. The Rangers are stationed in the forests, making it easier for them to track down criminals. As we speak, they are operating in the remote areas of Ose and Akoko, where security breaches are currently being addressed.”