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The Ondo State Security Network Agency, widely known as Amotekun Corps, has paraded 35 men for their alleged roles in various criminal activities across the state.
The suspects were presented on Monday, March 30, at the agency’s headquarters in Akure, Ondo State. According to the Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji, the individuals were arrested over the past week in different locations spanning all 18 local government areas of the state.
Adetunji explained that the suspects are linked to crimes such as kidnapping, theft, attempted rape, and human trafficking. He stated that 19 were arrested for breaching law and order, three for human trafficking, 11 for kidnapping, and two for rape.
Providing details on the human trafficking cases, Adetunji said three suspects defrauded a victim of about 1.4 million cedis under the guise of facilitating the travel of an individual from Togo to Nigeria to secure a Canadian visa. The victim was reportedly held hostage for about two weeks before escaping and reporting the incident to Amotekun. Operatives later recovered the money and passports, which were returned, and the victim has since reunited with her family.
He added that 11 of the suspects were connected to kidnapping cases in Akure and other parts of the state.
Adetunji also noted a significant drop in crime following the enforcement of a night-time ban on commercial motorcycles (Okada), which he said has reduced incidents of house break-ins and related offences.
He further revealed that six suspects specialized in stealing motorcycles, often attacking riders with sticks before taking their bikes. The stolen motorcycles were dismantled and sold as spare parts. The suspects have been apprehended and will be required to reassemble the stolen motorcycles.
In another incident, Adetunji recounted how operatives responded swiftly to a distress call in Owo involving a stolen Lexus Jeep. Roads leading in and out of the town were immediately blocked, leading to the recovery of the vehicle within hours.
On enforcement of the motorcycle ban, the corps disclosed that more than 120 motorcycles have been impounded across the 18 local government areas for violating the directive. It also noted that about 14,000 Okada riders have registered with the agency, with registration still ongoing.
Adetunji reaffirmed that enforcement operations will continue and warned that violators will face sanctions in accordance with the law.
