Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps, have arrested a 56-year-old man and his three sons over their alleged involvement in a kidnapping syndicate operating in Oba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The corps also rescued the kidnapped victim and recovered more than 75 per cent of the ransom allegedly paid by the victim's family.
The State Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Monday while parading 28 suspects arrested for various offences at the agency's headquarters in Akure.
According to Adeleye, the victim was abducted while travelling to Oba-Akoko. He explained that although the victim's family paid the ransom demanded by the kidnappers, the abductors failed to release him and allegedly warned the family against informing security agencies.
He said the family later contacted Amotekun after the kidnappers reneged on their promise, prompting the corps to launch an intelligence-driven rescue operation.
The commander said investigations led operatives to a family allegedly made up of a father and his three sons, who reportedly posed as cattle rearers while carrying out kidnapping activities in the area.
He added that the suspects attacked Amotekun operatives during the rescue mission, but were subdued after a confrontation. The victim was rescued with multiple machete and knife injuries allegedly inflicted during his captivity and was immediately taken to hospital for treatment.
Adeleye said the operation also led to the recovery of over 75 per cent of the ransom, alongside alcoholic drinks, drugs, cigarettes and other items allegedly linked to the suspects.
The suspects were identified as Iliasu, 56, Usman, 33, Wahab, 27, and Yakubu, 18.
The Amotekun boss further revealed that one of the suspects, believed to be the leader of the gang, had been on the agency's watchlist since 2024 over his alleged involvement in a series of kidnapping cases across Ondo North Senatorial District.
He said the suspect reportedly fled the state following previous security operations but recently returned before allegedly masterminding the latest abduction.
Narrating his ordeal, the rescued victim, Oyebade Samuel, said he was attacked after his vehicle developed a mechanical fault along the Oba-Akoko Road.
Samuel alleged that four armed men emerged from the bush carrying guns, cutlasses and sticks before assaulting him and dragging him into the forest, where he was held captive.
He said the abductors initially demanded ₦40 million before reducing the ransom to ₦1.6 million, which his family eventually paid. Despite receiving the money and other requested items, he said, the kidnappers refused to free him until Amotekun operatives tracked them to the ransom collection point and rescued him.
Adeleye reiterated that the corps discourages the payment of ransom to kidnappers, adding that all the money recovered during the operation would be returned to the victim's family.
He assured residents that Amotekun, in collaboration with other security agencies, would sustain its operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements across Ondo State.
"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," he said.
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