Fidelis David in Akure
Ondo State Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun yesterday paraded 14 suspected kidnappers arrested across the state.
They were among the 45 suspects arrested for offences ranging from dangerous driving, burglary, anti-grazing, destruction of public peace and buying of stolen goods across the state.
The Ondo state Commander of the Corps, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, while parading the suspects at the Command’s headquarters, in Akure said in the spirit of Eid-el-Fitr, the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa also ordered the release of 28 of the suspects.
Specifically, Adeleye said the 28 suspects have been profiled as first time offenders, noting that their offences were not of capital punishment.
His words: “As of today, we are parading 45 suspected criminals that were picked up in the acts in the 18 local government areas. A couple of weeks ago, we reassured the people of their safety this festive period.
“Among the 45 suspects, we have 14 kidnappers, one dangerous driving, five burglary cases, two anti-grazing, four destruction 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.”
According to him, “We have a particular case where we were able to break a kidnap syndicate in Akoko Local Government. The two kidnap victims are present here and the bike the kidnappers were supplied with. In our strive to bring them out, the kidnapper that had already confessed to us was matcheted 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 kidnap syndicate has confessed to several kidnapping activities in Akoko, Kogi and Edo area. And we are still looking for their sponsor who is at large.”
He reassured the people of the state that the corps will not relent in its efforts to ensure that there is no hiding place for criminals in the coastal state.
