The Ondo State Amotekun Corps has apprehended a 16-year-old student of Commercial High School, Akure, identified as Ajana Oluwa, for allegedly assaulting his 24-year-old neighbor at knifepoint.
The Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, paraded Oluwa alongside 28 other suspects accused of various crimes, including attempted murder, rape, and burglary.
Oluwa, who described the act as unprovoked, expressed deep regret, stating, “I don’t know what came over me. I regret my actions.”
During a briefing at the Corps Headquarters in Akure on Monday, Adeleye attributed the arrests to intensified patrols and intelligence operations across Ondo State. He reassured residents of the Corps’ commitment to maintaining peace and combating criminal activities, especially during the festive season.
Other Arrests and Crimes
Among the suspects paraded was Tope, apprehended for attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms. Another individual, Ralph Ajanaku, was accused of threatening a woman with a weapon in an attempted assault.
Additionally, three suspects—Moses, Sunday, and Joshua—were accused of theft and issuing threats to life. Ten others were linked to burglary, breaking and entering, and selling stolen items.
The Commander highlighted the arrest of a notorious member of a vehicle and motorcycle theft syndicate, known for dismantling stolen vehicles and selling the parts as scrap outside the state.
Another suspect, a serial housebreaker who had been jailed twice in the past three years, was caught resuming his burglary activities within two weeks of release.
Confessions and Motivations
Borokini Ayodeji, a 25-year-old Eiye cultist, admitted to stealing from a hospital on Arakale Road, citing hunger as his motivation. A trained tailor, Ayodeji claimed poverty and lack of support drove him to crime.
Similarly, 28-year-old web designer Sanusi Akeem from Ile-Oluji confessed to burglary, admitting to stealing items such as a television, ceiling fan, and power bank. He described it as his first attempt at such an offense.
Security Measures for the Festive Season
Adeleye commended the Corps’ recent successes, noting that no kidnapping incidents had been reported within the state metropolis in the past two weeks. However, abductions were reported at state borders with Edo and Kogi, with rescue efforts underway.
To ensure safety during the yuletide season, the Corps has deployed 1,200 personnel across the state’s 18 local government areas, supported by regular patrols and show-of-force exercises.
Residents were urged to report suspicious activities through the distress hotline (08079999989) and avoid purchasing second-hand items without verifying original receipts. Adeleye emphasized, “If you see something, say something,” encouraging community vigilance.
Inter-State Security Collaboration
The Commander highlighted ongoing collaborations with neighboring states, including Ekiti, Osun, and Ogun, to enhance security at border areas and prevent criminals from exploiting these regions as escape routes.
He revealed joint efforts with Ekiti State to resolve a high-profile case, underscoring the Corps’ commitment to inter-state security partnerships.
Reassuring residents of their safety, Adeleye called for cooperation to maintain peace and order. “The state is safe, and with your cooperation, we can ensure a crime-free yuletide,” he said, adding that efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates and bring offenders to justice are ongoing.
