The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered more than 75 percent of a ₦40 million ransom allegedly paid by the family of a kidnapped victim in Ondo State.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation carried out in Oba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area, after the victim’s family alerted the security outfit that the kidnappers had collected the ransom but refused to release their relative.
Speaking while parading the suspects on Monday, the Commander of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said operatives swiftly launched a rescue mission that led to the victim’s safe recovery and the arrest of the suspects.
According to Adeleye, the suspected kidnappers were traced to a family allegedly using cattle rearing as a cover for their criminal activities. He added that the gang leader had been on the agency’s watchlist since 2024 over his alleged involvement in several kidnapping cases across the Ondo North Senatorial District.
The rescued victim, identified as Oyebade Samuel, reportedly sustained multiple injuries after he was allegedly attacked with knives and cutlasses while in captivity. He was immediately taken to a hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.
During the operation, Amotekun operatives recovered over 75 percent of the ₦40 million ransom allegedly paid to the kidnappers. Security personnel also seized several items from the suspects, including tramadol, alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, cigarettes, and a suspected blindfold believed to have been used during the kidnapping.
The four suspects were among 28 individuals paraded by the Amotekun Corps for various alleged offences, including kidnapping, armed banditry, cultism, rape, and stealing.
Adeleye assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations. He also reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to tackling insecurity across Ondo State and urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
The latest operation marks another significant breakthrough in the state’s efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes, as authorities intensify measures to improve public safety and protect lives and property.
At the time of filing this report, the allegations against the suspects remain under investigation, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
