Ondo Amotekun arrests 7 suspects, recovers stolen items worth over N300m

The Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps) has recovered stolen goods and electronics valued at over N300 million and arrested seven suspects in connection with various crimes in the state.

Adetunji Adeleye, the Commander of the corps, while parading the suspects at the weekend in Akure said the arrests and recoveries were part of ongoing efforts to reduce crime in the state.

“More than celebrating the arrest of criminals, we are celebrating the recovery of life and property, our operations in the past week have led to a reduction in cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary, and cult-related activities,” Adeleye said.

Among those arrested were suspects linked to a theft syndicate involving electronics. Adeleye said the items, mainly phones and gadgets, were stolen in Lagos and transported to Ondo State through the Ojota Motor Park.

According to him, one of the suspects boarded the same bus conveying the goods and repackaged the items into an empty carton during the journey. The act was discovered during a stop for fuel, prompting further investigation and the eventual recovery of the stolen goods.

Adeleye added that the goods belonged to a licensed electronics dealer in Ondo State and would be returned to the owner after the court processes the necessary documents.

Also paraded were suspects involved in a recent kidnap case. Two victims abducted along Itaogbolu Road six days ago were rescued by Amotekun operatives after 96 hours of search in the forest. The kidnappers had demanded a N50 million ransom, but the victims’ families did not pay.

“We advise residents not to pay ransom, and we are glad that most kidnap cases in the last two months have been resolved without payment,” he said.

Others paraded included a local gang leader arrested after evading arrest for six months, a repeat offender who jumped bail and fled to Kano but was rearrested and brought back, and a suspect involved in violent clashes with herders.