The Ondo state command of the south-west security network, also known as Amotekun, says its operatives have arrested the “prime suspect” behind the killing of Nelson Adepoyigi, chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in ward 5, Ose LGA.
Adepoyigi was abducted in May at the entrance of his farm along the Ifon-Owo road. His abductors initially demanded a ransom of N100 million, which was later negotiated down to N5 million.
The APC official was killed after two community members who volunteered to deliver the ransom were also abducted. The kidnappers reportedly demanded an additional N30 million for the release of all three victims.
Speaking on Monday during the parade of suspects at the Amotekun headquarters in Akure, the Ondo capital, Adetunji Adeleye, commander of the corps, said the suspect confessed to the crime and led security operatives to the forest where some stolen items were recovered.
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“In total, we arrested 32 suspects across all 18 LGAs of the state for offences ranging from kidnapping and armed robbery to rape and cultism,” Adeleye said.
Adeleye said 10 other suspects were arrested in connection with kidnapping, with several victims confirming their identities.
The Amotekun commander said the suspects were picked up in Ute-Owo forest, Jugbere forest, Irese, the Ose/Ifon/Elekbeke axis, Oda Road, and Ipele in Owo.
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He said the suspects include Ali (35), Abeeb (30), Bobade (45), Shedrak (25), Adamu (25), Adelewa (20), Suleiman (40), Mohamed (20), Suleiman Isiaku (18), and Useni (18).
Adeleye added that three suspects were arrested for armed robbery, including one Michael (23) nabbed around the Rosco area in Odigbo.
“Lawal (37) arrested for forgery and aiding robbery in Ala axis.Henry arrested for alleged cultist and car-part thief, arrested in Okitipupa. David —suspected of stealing cocoa and motorcycles. Ayomide (26), Joseph (23), and Belo (29) — arrested for burglary. Bamisaye and Omoniyi (32 and 19) — accused of posing as scrap collectors while acting as informants for criminals,” he said.
He noted that one suspect was arrested for rape, while another was charged under the anti-open grazing law.
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Adeleye assured residents that the corps, under the Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led government, will continue to maintain a strong presence in the forests and vulnerable areas to secure the lives and livelihoods of citizens, especially farmers.
