Amotekun arrests 32 suspects for infringement of law in Ondo

No fewer than 32 suspects have been arrested by the operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun over an alleged infringement of the existing laws in the State.

Adetunji Adeleye, the Ondo Amotekun Corps Commander, while parading the 32 suspected criminals alongside a prime suspect linked to the killing of Nelson Adepoyigi, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ward 5, in Ose Local Government Area said; “we have apprehended one of the prime suspects who masterminded the killing of the APC ward chairman in Ose LGA. He led us into the bush where we recovered some incriminating items from him.”

Recall that Adepoyigi was abducted last month along the Ifon-Owo Road while returning from his farm and was later killed by his captors. His death sparked outrage within the local community and among political stakeholders.

Adeleye said; “Today, we are parading 32 suspects. These 32 suspects were arrested across the 18 local government areas of Ondo state for infringement of the existing laws. I also want to place on record that the Task Force put in place to bring sanity to the restive Ala-dada axis on Akure North is still in force.

“The Amotekun Rangers are domiciled with officers and men from all security agencies in and out of Ala-dada. So, as we talk, in the last 14 days, there has been no bad incident of attack on farmers and residents of Ago-Oyibo, Ago-Ademeku, Powerline and the environ where we usually have attacks.

“Again, we have apprehended one of the prime suspects who masterminded the killing of the APC ward chairman in Ose LGA. He led us into the bush where we recovered some incriminating items from him.

“What we’re saying in effect is that in the last two weeks in Ondo state, we have been able to ensure that there is no ransom paid for kidnapping, which remains the position of the good people and government of Ondo state. Today, for those breaking laws and order, we arrested 20 suspects. On anti-grazing, only one suspect and he will be facing the law as stated in the anti-open grazing law.

“On kidnapping, we have 10 suspects and majority of them, we have the victims identifying them. On robbery, we have two. These two are here today with the victims and this one happened on the Benin-Ore expressway. They had been arrested and investigation continues on them. On rape, we have only one suspect.

“Now, going specific, we have a 35-year-old Ali, a 30-year-old Abeeb, a 45-year-old Bobade, one Shedrak, 25, Adamu, 25, Adelewa, 20, Suleiman, 40, Mohamed, 20, Suleiman Isiaku, 18, and Useni, 18, all being investigated as suspected kidnappers. They were arrested in Ute-Owo Forest, Jugbere forest, Irese, Ose/Ifon/Elegbeka Axis, Oda Road Axis, and Ipele in Owo.

“On armed robbery, we have three, including one Michael, 23-year-old, who was arrested around Rosco area in Odigbo.There is also a Lawal, 37, arrested for forgery, false information, aiding and abetting robbery around the power line, in Ala Axis. There is this suspected dreaded cultist, and expert in dismantling vehicle parts, Henry, arrested in Okitipupa.

“We equally have a David, who specialises in stealing Cocoa seeds and motorcycles. A group of specialists in housebreaking include one Ayomide 26, Joseph 23, Bello 29, and those that were arrested masquerading as those picking iron rods around the state, but they are real informants to kidnappers and robbers.

“They hide under picking objects from dump sites, and around the house, we have Bamisaye and one Omoniyi, aged 32 and 19, respectively. This is a general overview of the 32 suspects that we have on the parade today.

“From this analysis, I want to say that Ondo State is very peaceful, relatively peaceful, and we want to assure farmers, especially, that in line with the directive of the government of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, that Amotekun rangers remained domiciled in the forest, we want to reassure them of their safety, but I want to advise that suspected movements should be communicated through the 0807999989, which remains the distress call line of Amotekun, and you can be sure that within a few minutes, respite will come your way.

“To the good people of Ondo State, we want to reassure them to go about their normal duties, normal businesses, and report suspicious movements to the Amotekun Corps. In conjunction with all other heads of security agencies in the state, we want to reassure the public that Ondo State remains very safe. For journalists, for businessmen, we want to reassure you that you are in safe hands. To businessmen and investors, that Ondo State remains very friendly, and we want to guarantee their safety while in Ondo State.”