Amotekun Corps has arrested 35 suspects for kidnapping and other crimes, rescuing victims and recovering stolen property in Ondo State.
The Amotekun Corps in Ondo State has paraded 35 suspects linked to various criminal activities, including kidnapping, human trafficking, rape, and armed robbery.
The Commander of the corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this during a briefing in Akure, stating that 11 of the suspects were linked to kidnapping, three to human trafficking, two to rape, while others were involved in breaches of public order.
He revealed that one of the most disturbing cases involved a human trafficking syndicate that defrauded a victim of about 1.4 million CFA under the pretext of securing a Canadian visa.
According to him, the victim was lured from Togo to Nigeria, held hostage for two weeks, and later escaped before reporting the case to security operatives.
“Our operatives swung into action, recovered the money and passports, and reunited her with her family,” Adeleye said.
The commander also disclosed that 11 suspects were arrested in connection with multiple kidnapping cases across Akure and other parts of the state, adding that two kidnapped victims, a father and his son, were recently rescued and are safe.
In another operation in Owo, the corps recovered a stolen Lexus Jeep within hours after sealing exit routes following a distress call.
Adeleye further highlighted the arrest of six suspects involved in motorcycle theft, noting that some attacked riders before dispossessing them of their motorcycles, while others dismantled stolen bikes for sale as spare parts.
He added that intensified surveillance during religious gatherings had led to arrests of suspects involved in housebreaking, including individuals accused of targeting homes during church services.
Two suspects were also arrested in Akunnu Akoko over alleged attempted rape and conspiracy.
The Amotekun boss attributed the recent decline in crime rates to the enforcement of the state government’s ban on night-time commercial motorcycle operations.
He said over 120 motorcycles had been impounded across the state for violating the directive, while about 14,000 riders have registered in compliance with government regulations.
Adeleye warned that enforcement would continue and defaulters would face sanctions, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
