By Asaye Bankole
The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has uncovered an alleged self-kidnapping scheme in Akure North Local Government Area of the state, leading to the arrest of four suspects allegedly connected to the plot.
The four suspects were among 53 people arrested by Amotekun operatives across Ondo State for various alleged offences, including kidnapping, murder, cultism, rape, cattle rustling, theft, impersonation and conspiracy.
The state Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed this on Monday while parading the suspects.
He explained that the alleged self-kidnapping was carefully staged, with the suspects reportedly using social media to create the impression that an actual abduction had taken place.
According to Adeleye, the investigation took a different turn after one of the individuals who reported the alleged kidnapping was discovered to have links to the scheme.
The suspect subsequently led security operatives to a house where the person who was supposedly kidnapped was found.
The commander warned members of the public against spreading unverified information, stressing that false reports of criminal activities could create unnecessary panic and divert security personnel from genuine emergencies.
Adeleye also disclosed that Amotekun operatives had arrested 21 suspected illegal immigrants in Owo.
He said the suspects allegedly failed to produce the required ECOWAS travel documents and would be handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for further investigation.
He further revealed that the security outfit had disrupted an alleged diesel theft operation involving petroleum products worth millions of naira.
The products were reportedly diverted from a construction company and a quarry site along the Ondo Road axis of Akure.
The Amotekun commander reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to intensifying its operations against criminal activities across the state.
He urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in preventing crime and apprehending offenders.
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