No fewer than 28 suspects have been arrested by the operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun for allegedly kidnapping and duping unsuspecting Ghanians and Nigerians.
Adetunji Adeleye, the Ondo Amotekun Corps Commander, while parading the 28 suspected kidnappers alongside other suspects, said the suspected kidnappers would lure those who wanted to travel to the United States of America and Canada to Nigeria from Ghana and asked them to bring other victims before they could be released.
Adeleye said; “we are parading 61 suspects.These suspects were arrested for various crimes across the state. And that is why on the kidnapping issue, we brought both the victims and the arrested culprits who identified some of the victims, who the victims identified them too.
“We equally have a syndicate that we were able to break their ranks. It’s a 28-man syndicate that specializes in kidnapping, human trafficking, and rustling. They invite unsuspecting members of the public that they want to help them procure a U.S. visa. We have 28 Ghanaians that were invited to Akure, and once they come in, they collect money from them, some of them $2,000, some of them $1,500, and kidnap them and house them in Oda, and the only condition under which they leave the place is to bring another set to be kidnapped.
“The Eagle Eye of the Intelligence Section of Amotekun Corps was able to pick them and right here today, we have 28 of them. We equally have those of them that were rescued by the Corps and their families.
“Also, under these two weeks under review with the Amotekun Rangers and Operation Daadaa, in collaboration with other security agencies, we arrested a group in the far Arimogija boundary of the Ondo/Edo that were dismantling critical federal government assets in terms of aluminum conductors and wires. This brings to a total of 61 suspected criminals.â€
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Adeleye, also said Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the full enforcement of a ban on commercial motorcycles, popularly called okada, from 8:00pm to 5:00am and impounding of unregistered vehicles.
According to him, owners of unregistered vehicles had been given a one-week ultimatum to register their vehicles, saying that it had been discovered that motorcycles and unregistered cars were being used to perpetrate crimes in the state.
“We are not introducing a new order but reinforcing the existing directive. Statistics indicate that over 65 percent of criminal activities occur at night involving Okada riders, both licensed and unlicensed. Previously, the ban was from 6pm but after listening to public concerns, the government has adjusted it to 8pm-5am and only essential workers with valid IDs will be exempted.
“By executive order, His Excellency, the Governor, has reaffirmed the ban on okada operations beyond 8pm effective immediately. This decision follows increased criminal activities; such as kidnapping, robbery, and assault, carried out by unidentified okada riders. Only those on essential duties with valid identification will be exempted. Law enforcement officers have been mandated to arrest violators across the state.
“Effective one week from today, all unregistered vehicles and those using fake dealer numbers or number plates must regularize their status or face legal consequences. Many criminals operate under false registration details, and this measure is aimed at closing that loophole.
“We are re-emphasising the initial order made by the Government of Ondo State that with effect from Wednesday, 2nd April 2025, from 8pm to 5am, any Okada seeing, shall be seized indefinitely.
“We say unequivocally that anyone found guilty will surely be dealt with. All unregistered vehicles plying our roads are given just 7 days to do so (to register), or else, such vehicles will not be spared,†he said.
