The Amotekun Corps, the security agency in Ondo State, has announced the arrest of 35 individuals for their alleged involvement in various criminal activities across the state.
The arrests were publicly disclosed on Monday, March 30, at the agency's headquarters located in Akure, the state capital.
According to the agency’s commander, Akogun Adetunji, the suspects were taken into custody from several areas within Ondo State's 18 local government areas over a week-long operation.
Adetunji noted that the detainees were implicated in various crimes, including kidnapping, theft, attempted sexual assault, and human trafficking.
He stated, “Today, we present 35 suspects. They consist of individuals engaged in multiple criminal acts. Among them, 19 were arrested for breaches of law and order, three for human trafficking, 11 for kidnapping, and two for attempted sexual assault.
“Specifically in the case of human trafficking, three suspects allegedly deceived a victim out of approximately 1.4 million cedis, claiming they would assist in bringing someone from Togo to Nigeria for a Canadian visa. The victim was reportedly held captive for about two weeks before managing to escape and report to Amotekun. The operatives were able to recover the funds and passports, which have been returned to the victim, who is now reunited with her family.”
Furthermore, 11 individuals were identified as being linked to various kidnapping incidents in Akure and other local council areas.
Adetunji also mentioned that there has been a notable decrease in criminal activities following the enforcement of a nighttime ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okadas, resulting in fewer incidents of burglary and similar crimes.
He added, “Six individuals were apprehended for stealing motorcycles, during which they reportedly used sticks as weapons to attack riders and seize their vehicles. They disassembled the stolen bikes to sell as spare parts. The arrested suspects will be required to reassemble the stolen motorcycles.”
He recounted a prompt response to a distress signal from Owo regarding a stolen Lexus SUV.
“Roads in and out of the town were sealed off, enabling us to recover the vehicle within hours,” Adetunji reported.
Regarding the enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcycles operating at night, the Amotekun Corps indicated that more than 120 motorcycles had been confiscated across all local government areas for breaching this directive. Approximately 14,000 Okada riders have registered with the organization, and this process remains active.
Adetunji emphasized that efforts to enforce these regulations will persist, and those who violate the rules will face legal consequences.
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