Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has issued an order for the release of 28 suspects who were detained by the Ondo State Security Network, known as Amotekun Corps.
These individuals were part of a larger group of 45 suspects apprehended across all 18 local government areas for various offenses, including kidnapping, dangerous driving, burglary, anti-grazing activities, public disturbance, theft, and involvement in the purchase of stolen goods.
Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye of the Ondo Amotekun Corps disclosed that the 28 released suspects were identified as first-time offenders, with offenses not warranting capital punishment.
Governor Aiyedatiwa directed their release to their respective next of kin for rehabilitation, accompanied by strict warnings against engaging in similar activities in the future.
However, Adeleye emphasized that the remaining suspects would face the full extent of the law for their crimes, as they had been thoroughly profiled.
He highlighted a recent success in dismantling a kidnapping syndicate in Akokorŕ, where one of the kidnappers, who had confessed to the crime, was injured by his accomplice in an attempt to conceal evidence.
The injured suspect was promptly attended to by Amotekun officers and provided valuable information, leading to the syndicate’s confession to multiple kidnapping operations in Akoko, Kogi, and Edo areas.
Authorities assured the public of ongoing efforts to ensure safety during the festive season, reiterating their commitment to apprehending criminals and their sponsors across Ondo State.