Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, have arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered more than 75 per cent of a ₦40 million ransom collected from the family of a kidnap victim in Oba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified as a 56-year-old father and his three sons, were apprehended following an intelligence-led operation after the victim’s family reported that the kidnappers had refused to release their relative despite receiving the ransom payment.
Speaking while parading 28 suspects arrested for various criminal offences in Akure, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, said the kidnappers had initially warned the victim’s family against reporting the incident to security agencies but continued to hold the victim captive after collecting the ransom.
According to Adeleye, intelligence gathered by the corps led operatives to a family allegedly involved in kidnapping activities while operating under the guise of cattle rearing.
He said the suspects attacked Amotekun operatives during the rescue mission but were eventually overpowered, leading to the victim’s rescue.
The commander disclosed that the victim sustained multiple machete and knife injuries during captivity and was immediately taken to hospital for medical treatment after his rescue.
He added that operatives recovered over 75 per cent of the ransom money, as well as tramadol, alcoholic drinks, energy drinks, cigarettes and other items allegedly used by the suspects. The recovered cash has been returned to the victim’s family.
Adeleye further revealed that the suspected gang leader had been on the corps’ watchlist since 2024 over alleged involvement in a series of kidnapping incidents across Ondo North Senatorial District but had fled the state before recently returning to resume criminal activities.
Recounting his ordeal, the rescued victim, Oyebade Samuel, said he was abducted after his vehicle developed a mechanical fault along the Oba-Akoko Road. He alleged that four armed men emerged from the bush, assaulted him with guns, cutlasses and sticks before dragging him into the forest.
He said although his family eventually paid a negotiated ransom and supplied other items demanded by the kidnappers, he was not released until Amotekun operatives tracked down the suspects and rescued him.
The Amotekun Corps said investigations are ongoing and assured residents that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law as part of efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ondo State.
