Ondo's Amotekun corps displays 35 alleged abduction suspects, among others, seizes 120 bikes

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The Ondo State security outfit, codenamed Amotekun has arrested 35 suspected kidnappers and other criminals terrorizing the state.

Among those paraded was a 28-year-old Ayodeji, accused of breaking into homes during church services.

The State Commander Chief Adetunji Adeleye while parading the suspects, said increased surveillance during religious gatherings led to the arrest of Ayodeji and others involved in similar crimes.

Adeleye said 19 suspects were arrested for breach of law and order, three for human trafficking, 11 for kidnapping, and two for rape.

The human trafficking suspects allegedly defrauded a Ghanaian victim of ₵1.4 million, promising to secure a Canadian visa.

He said that they were held hostage for two weeks but escaped and reported to Amotekun.

Amotekun, according to him also, rescued two kidnapping victims, including a father and son, and arrested six motorcycle snatchers.

Adeleye said those arrested include Musa Momodu Abdullahi, David Shamisu Ismail, and others linked to kidnapping. Eyinloju Taiwo and Eyinloju Kejinde were arrested for conspiracy and attempted rape. Modest, Mika, and Emmanuel were arrested for human trafficking.

The state commander attributed a reduction in house break-ins to the ban on night-time commercial motorcycle operations.

” Over 14,000 riders have registered with Amotekun, and 120 motorcycles have been impounded for violating the ban.

” The enforcement has already begun to yield results, with a noticeable reduction in criminal activities such as house break-ins and related offence.

According to him, the registration, which cuts across the 18 local government areas, “was part of efforts to regulate the activities of riders and curb rising insecurity linked to the sector.

Recall that the state government had extended the registration of the motorcycles deadline to allow more riders to comply, warning defaulters would face sanctions.

The state government had about two weeks ago announced a ban on night-time motorcycle operations and cart pushing in major urban areas as part of measures to tackle rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other criminal activities across the state.

According to government “the operational use of motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, is restricted between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., except for security agencies and persons exempted by government. Cart pushing in major metropolitan areas is also prohibited, while dealers in condemned scrap metal must register within two weeks with the state Amotekun.”