Amotekun Uncovers Self-Kidnapping Scheme, Arrests 53 In Ondo

‎The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has uncovered an alleged self-kidnapping and false-alarm scheme in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

‎‎The State Commander of the corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Monday while parading 53 suspects arrested for alleged kidnapping, murder, robbery, cultism, rape, stealing and other offences across the state.

‎Adeleye said four suspects were linked to the alleged scheme, adding that one of those who reported that his siblings had been kidnapped was later discovered to be an accomplice.

‎“Upon detailed investigation, we found out that the man who rushed to the Amotekun Corps office to report that his siblings were kidnapped turned out to be an accomplice. He led us to his home where we found the man they claimed had been kidnapped,” he said.

‎The commander also disclosed that two kidnapped boys were rescued in Akoko during a joint operation involving Amotekun operatives and Fulani farmers and herders. He said a military uniform was recovered from one of the suspected kidnappers.

‎‎According to him, one of the rescued victims, sustained serious machete injuries to his head and other parts of his body and was receiving treatment at the Amotekun facility.

‎Adeleye further disclosed that 21 foreigners were arrested in Owo after allegedly renting two separate apartments under the guise of engaging in menial jobs and phone repairs, adding that they were allegedly found without ECOWAS documents guaranteeing their stay in Nigeria.

‎He said the agents who assisted the foreigners had been arrested, while efforts were ongoing to locate the landlords, stressing that the suspects would be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service after profiling.

‎‎He also said four members of a seven-man kidnapping gang operating around the Osi/Igoba axis of Akure North had been arrested, while other suspects were apprehended for alleged murder, attempted murder, rape, cultism, impersonation, cattle rustling and stealing.

‎Adeleye added that the corps recovered more than 30 containers of suspected stolen diesel, a Golf vehicle, generator, TVS motorcycle, television sets, aluminium products and household equipment during the operations.