Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, have arrested 28 suspects for allegedly kidnapping over 70 Ghanaian nationals in the state.
The victims were lured to Oda Road, Akure South Local Government Area, with promises of securing travel opportunities to Australia.
The syndicate was uncovered when one of the victims managed to escape and alerted authorities. Acting on this tip-off, Amotekun operatives raided the hideout, rescued the victims, and apprehended the suspects.
While parading the suspects at the Amotekun headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, the Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, explained how the criminals deceived their victims.
“We have Ghanaian nationals who were invited to Akure under fraudulent pretenses. Upon arrival, they were extorted—some paying between $1,500 and $2,000—only to be kidnapped and held in Oda,” he said.
Adeleye also revealed that the syndicate forced victims to recruit new people in exchange for their freedom.
“The victims were told they had to bring in more people before they could be released. Fortunately, through our intelligence efforts, we were able to intercept and rescue them.”
One of the victims, Jeremiah Amoah, shared his harrowing experience:
“A friend convinced me that this was a real opportunity to travel abroad. But after they took my money, they locked me up and told me I had to bring another person before I would be released. One night, when everyone was asleep, I managed to jump over the wall and escape.”
Amoah expressed his gratitude to the Amotekun Corps, stating that without their intervention, the victims might never have been freed.
The 28 suspects are currently in custody, and authorities have launched further investigations to ensure they face justice.
