—Rescues victim, recovers ransom
By Dayo Johnson Akure
The Ondo State Security outfit, codenamed, Amotekun, has arrested a 56-year-old man, Iliasu, and his three sons for alleged kidnapping in Oba-Akoko, Akoko South-West LGA.
Briefing newsmen in Akure, the Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, who parading 28 suspects arrested for various offences, said that the victim was abducted while travelling to Oba-Akoko.
Adetunji said that ” although the family paid the ₦1.6 million ransom demanded, the kidnappers refused to release him and warned the family against contacting security agencies.
“The family later alerted Amotekun after the suspects reneged. Our operatives launched an intelligence-driven operation that led them to a family of four who posed as cattle rearers while running kidnapping operations.
Adeleye noted that ” the suspects attacked Amotekun operatives during the rescue but were subdued.
“The victim, Oyebade Samuel, was found with multiple machete and knife injuries from his captivity and taken to hospital.
Adeleye said over 75% of the ransom collected from the victims family was recovered, along with alcoholic drinks, drugs, cigarettes and other items linked to the suspects.
The arrested children are Usman, 33; Wahab, 27; and Yakubu, 18.
The commander said one of the suspects, believed to be the gang leader, had been on Amotekun’s watchlist since 2024 over several kidnapping cases in Ondo North Senatorial District.
He fled the state after previous operations but recently returned and allegedly masterminded the latest abduction.
Narrating his ordeal, the victim said his vehicle developed a fault along Oba-Akoko Road when four armed men emerged from the bush with guns, cutlasses and sticks. They assaulted him and dragged him into the forest.
He said the abductors first demanded ₦40 million but later reduced it to ₦1.6 million, which his family paid.
“Despite receiving the money and other items, they refused to free him until Amotekun tracked them to the ransom collection point.
Adeleye reiterated that Amotekun discourages ransom payments adding that all money recovered would be returned to the victim’s family.
“There is no hiding place for criminals in Ondo State, whether in the forests or within our communities. We remain committed to protecting lives and property,” Adeleye said.
