Ondo State Security Network Agency also known as Amotekun has made a significant impact in the fight against crime, arresting 27 individuals connected to various criminal activities across the state.
The suspects were paraded at the corps’ headquarters in Akure, the state capital, on Monday. According to Commander Adetunji Adeleye, the arrests were made within a three-week period.
The suspects were linked to crimes such as kidnapping, stealing, and anti-grazing offenses. Notable among them are Usman Sehu, Ojo, Temidayo, and Pelemo, who were involved in kidnappings around Ikakumo Akoko.
Michael Ojo, another suspect, confessed to killing okada riders and stealing their motorcycles, with an estimated count of stolen bikes lost to him.
Speaking on the situation in the state, Commander Adeleye noted that despite these security breaches, the overall security situation in Ondo State is relatively good. Arrests were made under only three of the 12 subheadings the corps operates on, specifically anti-grazing, kidnapping, and law and order.
Adeleye stated, “Today we are parading 27 suspects. Among the 27 suspects, we have Usman Sehu, Ojo, Temidayo and Pelemo. They were the people who had been joining their colleagues in kidnappings around Ikakumo Akoko.
“We also have one Michael Ojo, who was among the syndicates that specializes in killing okada riders and stealing their bike. He had confessed to stealing so many motorcycles and he said he has lost count.
“Furthermore, we have one Oladimeji and one Imole who steal where you park your bike. We have one Akerele Ibrahim, who is also a criminal that has been under tracking for some time but this time around he went and threatened to kill somebody having destroyed his farmland in the Akoko area too.
“On anti-grazing, we have one Wakini Ibrahim who has been arrested several times and since he is not repentant, he will face the full wrath of the law on anti-grazing charges. This is the cross-section of the suspected criminals that engaged in various security breaches.
“We also have those that specialize in breaking shops that engage in the sales of mattresses, stole and sold them at cheap amount to people. We went after them and retrieved the mattresses from those who bought them. When a mattress that should normally go for N100,000 is being sold for N5000 or N10000.”
Adeleye praised residents for providing timely information and urged continued support for the corps. The Amotekun Corps’ efforts demonstrate their commitment to maintaining peace and security in Ondo State.
