In continuation of the third phase of ‘Operation Clean Up’ in Ondo State, men of the state Security Network Agency codenamed Amotekun Corps have arrested a kidnapper, Samuel Lucky Akpan, who abducted a four-year-old boy in Alagbaka area of Akure with the intent of selling him for N200,000.
The state Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, paraded Akpan alongside 17 other suspected criminals who have been terrorizing residents of the state.
The suspects who were paraded before newsmen in Akure, were arrested for various offences which included; kidnapping, internet fraud and cultism.
They were nabbed from different locations in the state.
Speaking with Newsmen at the Command’s Headquarters in Akure, Chief Adeleye said the feat was in continuation of the Command’s determination to rid the state of criminals threatening the lives and peace of residents.
He said, “We also have someone who kidnapped a-four-year old boy. But with the help of the people around., we were able to rescue the boy, and apprehend him,” he added.
The 23-year-old kidnapper, Akpan, who abducted the four-year-old boy in Alagbaka, while speaking with journalist confessed to the crime, saying he was planning to sell the boy for N200, 000.
Akpan, who is a friend of the boy’s family said, “The boy always come to play with me from his mother’s shop.
“I was already on my way to sell the boy for two hundred thousand naira, when I was arrested by some group of people.
”The man I wanted to sell the child to was already waiting for me as I placed a certain kind of leaf on the boy’s head.
“If somebody places that leave together with some incantations on anyone, the person will not be able to say anything again.
“I haven’t gone far from the shop of the boy’s mother when I was nabbed by men of the Amotekun Corps.”
Chief Adeleye further said the cultist was arrested following the aftermath of a clash he had with some persons in his community, adding that he brought out a pistol and threatened the lives of people around the area.
“Investigations revealed that the 27-year-old robbery suspect and cultist, Sola Ogunyemi, just got out of jail six months ago.
“An English revolver pistol which he claimed belonged to the leader of ‘Eiye Confraternity was recovered from him,” the Commander said.
Other suspects who were apprehended for internet fraud were nine middle-aged young men whose ages range between 18 to 30 years.
They include; Adegboro Opeyemi, Taopheek Yusuf, Micheal Olawole, Sadiku Kehinde, Sule Kabiru, Adetula Ayodeji, Olatokunbo Taiwo, Suleman and Ayuba Imoleayo.
According to the Amotekun boss, the Corps will terminate the second phase of “Operation Clean Up” to embark on phase three of the “Operation Clean Up” in the state.
“Over the last two months, we have been on the field and so many criminals have been apprehended.
“As you can see, their crimes range from kidnapping to armed robbery, housebreaking, rape and even Internet fraud.
“We have a number of criminals that are here who are going through different stages of interrogation and awaiting prosecution, “he said.
The Commander also disclosed that those of the suspects whose investigations gave been concluded would be charged to court.