No fewer than 45 suspected criminals have been arrested by operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as Amotekun Corps, across the 18 local council areas of the state.
According to the Commander of Amotekun Corps in the state, Adetunji Adeleye, the arrested suspects included 14 kidnappers as well as 31 others involved in various crimes.
Adeleye, who disclosed this while parading the suspects at the headquarters of the corps in Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital, revealed that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa directed that 28 of the suspects be released to their families for being first-time offenders.
He said: “As of today, we are parading 45 suspect criminals that were picked up in the acts in the 18 LGA. A couple of weeks ago, we reassured the people of their safety during this festive period.
“Among the 45 suspects, we have 14 kidnappers, one dangerous driver, five burglary cases, two anti-grazing, four destructions of public peace, stealing, and buying of stolen goods.
“In the spirit of the festive period, the Governor has directed that 28 of them, having been profiled as first-time offenders whose offences are not ones with capital punishment, are to be released to their next of kin for rehabilitation with strict warning not to perpetrate such acts again.
The remaining will face the full wrath of the law for committing such crimes because we have profiled them.
“We have a particular case where we were able to break the kidnapping syndicate in Akoko LG. The two kidnapping victims are present, as is the bike the kidnappers were supplied with. In our strive to bring them out, the kidnapper who already confessed was matched in several places by his fellow kidnapper, who wanted to cover up the crime.
“The officers of the corps rushed the kidnapper to the hospital, and he was treated. He has given useful information.
“This kidnapping syndicate has confessed to several kidnapping activities in Akoko, Kogi, and Edo. And we are still looking for their sponsor, who is at large.
“We are reassuring the people that there is no hiding place for criminals in Ondo State.”
