Amotekun arrests 28 suspects for kidnapping, human trafficking in Ondo

The Ondo command of the south-west security network, also known as Amotekun, says its operatives have arrested a 28-member syndicate that specialises in kidnapping and human trafficking.

Adetunji Adeleye, the commander of Amotekun in Ondo, spoke on Thursday when he paraded the suspects in Akure, the state capital.

Adeleye said the arrest was part of the achievements of the security outfit within two weeks.

He said the syndicate’s modus operandi was to lure unsuspecting individuals, majorly from Ghana, with false promises of US visa procurement for greener pastures.

The Amotekun commander said the victims were told they would be helped to travel abroad.

He said on getting to Akure for documentation, they were taken hostage at a camp in Oda town, in Akure south LGA.

“We have 28 Ghanaian nationals who were invited to Akure under fraudulent pretences. Upon arrival, they were extorted—some paying between $1,500 and $2,000—only to be kidnapped and held in Oda,” he said.

“The syndicate required them to bring in new victims before they could be released. However, due to the intelligence efforts of the Amotekun corps, we successfully intercepted and rescued them.

“The syndicate operates by calling unsuspecting individuals in foreign countries, offering assistance with U.S. or Canadian visa processing for a fee of $1,500-$5,000. They also promise jobs, claiming that the only route is through Nigeria.

“Upon arrival in Lagos, agents pick them up, bring them to Akure, and then seize their money. They are held hostage until they recruit another victim. Some families from Ghana are present today and can share their experiences.

“The 28 suspected kidnappers before us today have defrauded thousands, operating as an international syndicate led by a Ghanaian currently at large. Rest assured; justice will take its course.”

Giving details of other suspects, the corps commander said operatives also arrested some individuals for cattle rustling and violations of the anti-open grazing law.

“Notable among the suspects is one Sylvester, a known kidnapper on our watchlist, apprehended in Old Garage Akure,” he said.

“Other individuals, such as Ola Akiniyi and Anthony, were arrested for similar offenses. In another case, Blessing Imafidon was arrested in Araromi for attempted murder.

“Furthermore, several cultists were arrested with firearms, including Abdullahi Subewu and Abiodun Edward in Owo and Ikare.

“Our security agencies, in collaboration with ‘Operation Dada,’ arrested a group dismantling critical federal assets, such as aluminum conductors and wires, in the Arimogija boundary of Ondo and Edo states.”