TheCable

Adetunji Adeleye, Ondo state commander of the south-west security network known as Amotekun, says 28 suspects, including two minors, have been arrested for kidnapping, illegal possession of firearms, burglary, and cultism.

Adeleye spoke on Monday while parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters in Akure, the capital of Ondo.

He said 18 of the suspects were arrested over alleged kidnapping while 10 others were apprehended for alleged cultism and illegal possession of firearms.

“The total number of 28 suspects we are parading today shows that we have more kidnap suspects than any other criminal activities. This is in continuation of our efforts at ensuring that kidnapping in Ondo state becomes a thing of the past,” Adeleye said.

He noted that among the suspects were two minors aged 13 and 15, who kidnapped themselves in Oka-Akoko and demanded N100,000 ransom from their parents and the traditional ruler of the community.

“Their parents raised the alarm that their children were kidnapped and we swung into action but when they called for ransom we tracked the number and we were able to arrest them,” Adeleye said.

“We appreciate the Department of State Service (DSS) for assisting us in apprehending them. When they we negotiating, they even threatened the traditional ruler that if the ransom wasn’t paid within two hours they were going to kill the victims without knowing that they are the criminals perpetrating the act.

“Again, we have people who kidnapped themselves and raised alarm but upon our diligent investigation, we were able to unravel the mystery surrounding their disappearance to the extent that they confessed.

“We equally have kidnap suspects of some very high profile individuals in the society that we are working on. We have a few cases of others in possession of firearms, cult activities, and housebreaking.  But in all, as soon as we complete the investigation they will be charged in court.”

The Amotekun commander advised the public to be wary of the commercial motorcycles and taxis they use for their daily outings.

“We equally want to advise the public to be wary of the new trend of criminal activities now. Most times, the victim will board a motorcycle or taxi and you will see them blowing balloons,” he said.

“These balloons are already laced with poisonous gas that makes them dose off and they become unconscious. So, they take the victim to wherever they want and do whatever they want and some of the victims that we were able to recover, most times lose their senses for two to three days.

“They won’t remember where it happened not to talk of identifying the criminals. So, we want to advise the general public to be careful when they board Okada or a taxi.”