The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, on Thursday said that about 61 suspected criminals, including 28 suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate and 33 other criminals, have been arrested by the Ondo State joint security task force in connection with various criminal activities in the state.
The State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this during the parade of the criminals in Akure, the state capital. He stated that the suspects were apprehended over the last two weeks in connection with alleged kidnapping, attempted murder, armed robbery, and a visa scam.
Adeleye revealed that 28 of the suspects were members of a syndicate arrested for allegedly kidnapping and defrauding 72 Ghanaians and Nigerians who were seeking to travel abroad for better opportunities.
According to him, the syndicate, led by a Ghanaian, lured most of its victims from Ghana, assuring them of a secure visa to travel to the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, and Australia.
The Amotekun boss said: “You are aware that the government of Ondo State, under the able leadership of Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, set up a committee and a team to checkmate the rising insecurity in Ondo State in recent days.
“This gave rise to what we codenamed Operation Daadaa. Officers and men of all security agencies in Ondo State, including the Amotekun Corps, the Police, the Army, and the Civil Defence, bombarded the Alagada, Ago Ademekun, and Ago Oyinbo Forests. The operation extended to Ose and Owo local government areas, as well as the entire Akure North and South local government areas of Ondo State.
“Today, we are parading 61 suspects. These suspects were arrested for various crimes across the state. That is why, in relation to the kidnapping cases, we have brought both the victims and the arrested culprits, who identified some of the victims, and the victims identified them too.
“We also dismantled a syndicate. It is a 28-member syndicate specialising in kidnapping, human trafficking, and cattle rustling.
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“They invite unsuspecting members of the public, claiming they can help them procure US visas. We have 28 Ghanaians who were invited to Akure, and once they arrived, the syndicate collected money from them—some paid $2,000, others $1,500—before kidnapping and housing them in Oda.
“The only condition under which they would be released was to bring another victim to be kidnapped. The Eagle Eye of the Intelligence Section of Amotekun Corps was able to track them down, and today, we have 28 of them in custody. We also have those who were rescued by the Corps and their families.
“My advice to young men: please ensure you deal with credible people in your quest to seek better opportunities abroad.”
“In Owo Local Government Area, we were able to rescue a family of five from kidnappers without any ransom payment. The same applies to a family of four who were rescued. The families are here as well, and no ransom was paid.
“The only money the kidnappers collected from the Idanre group was N210,000, which was found on them, while they were negotiating with us for N10 million. However, we bombarded the forests where they were hiding, thanks to intelligence reports, and we were able to rescue the victims without harm.
“We also arrested several individuals for cattle rustling and violating the anti-open grazing law. Specifically, one suspect, Sylvester, who had been on our watchlist as a suspected kidnapper, was arrested at Old Garage, Akure.
“We also have Olaoluwa Akinmuyi and Anthony, who were arrested for similar criminal offences. Blessing Imafidon was arrested in Araromi, Akure, for attempted murder. Additionally, we apprehended cultists in possession of firearms, including Abdullahi Suberu and Abiodun Edward in Owo and Ikare.”
Speaking about his ordeal, one of the victims, Jeremiah Amoah, explained that he was contacted by the head of the syndicate, a Ghanaian, who assured him that he would help him secure a visa to Australia in Nigeria.
Amoah said he travelled to Nigeria and was directed to journey from Lagos to Akure, the Ondo State capital. However, upon arrival, a commercial motorcyclist took him to a location in the Oda area of the town.
According to Amoah, the syndicate collected $2,000 USD from him immediately after he entered the compound. He later realised that he had been defrauded when they instructed him to invite another person from Ghana, who would be swapped with him for his release from the camp.
He said: “A friend called me from Ghana and told me to come to Nigeria for my travel processing to Australia. When I arrived in Lagos, he told me to take a cab to Akure.
“After arriving at Cathedral Junction, I was told to wait for an agent to pick me up. When the agent arrived, he took me to a hotel, and later, he took my money, which was about $2,000.
“After collecting my money, they took me to another location and instructed me to lure another person to Nigeria before I would be released.
“I was able to escape at midnight when everyone was asleep. I jumped over the wall. Amotekun really helped us; they ensured that all those involved were arrested and that over 70 victims were freed.”
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