The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, has arrested and paraded a 55-year-old ex-convict and alleged serial rapist, Ayodele Ijilakinro, who recently completed a three-year jail term for a similar crime.
According to the security agency, despite his previous conviction, he was found to have resumed criminal activities and was apprehended again.
The unrepentant suspect was paraded alongside 27 other alleged criminals apprehended across the state’s 18 local government areas within the past weeks.
Parading the suspects, the State Corps Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, gave the breakdown of the arrests, stating that 24 of the suspects were apprehended for various breaches of law and order.
Ijilakinro, who previously served a three-year sentence for rape at Olokuta Correctional Centre and was released in February last year, admitted in an interview, to having sexual relations with multiple women.
However, he maintained that the encounters were consensual with some of them and was successful with three that were not among the six that came to testify against him.
He explained that he sometimes picked up acquaintances while travelling between Akure and Idanre, and they introduced themselves to him.
“I have raped three ladies. I gave some of them money,” he said.
Recalling his past conviction, he stated that he was jailed in 2021 following a case involving his neighbour, who sold super grow to and also raped her.
According to him, he had taken some of the women to hotels, where they ate, drank, and engaged in sexual activities.
Akogun Adeleye said: “Notably, there were no recorded violations of existing laws, no crises in land or chieftaincy affairs, and no labour union disputes.
“Similarly, there were no reported incidents of human trafficking, student unrest, militancy, or religious conflicts. However, one case of farmer-herder clashes was recorded, and three individuals were arrested for suspected kidnapping.”
Providing further details, the Commander identified three suspected kidnappers; Akpan, Alimi, and Emmanuel; who were arrested in Akure, Emure, and Umpeme-Owo, respectively.
Among those apprehended was one Adu Ojo, who specialised in ATM fraud. His modus operandi involved manipulating ATM machines to trap victims’ cards, retrieving them with a secret code, and draining their accounts before the victims could take action.
In another disturbing case, two individuals, Mafo and Asara, were arrested for conspiracy and rape.
The arrests also included Idris Umaru, who was caught illegally grazing on a farmer’s land and using underage herders.
Additionally, three suspects; Oluwafemi, Francis, and Sunday, were identified as house burglars, while Lawal was arrested for stealing mobile phones and pumping machines.
Another suspect, Ismaila Kazim, was paraded for a unique form of robbery targeting commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders. His method involved attacking riders, dispossessing them of their motorcycles, and selling them.
Despite these isolated criminal activities, the Amotekun Corps assured residents that Ondo State remains relatively safe for business and social activities.
When asked how many suspects had been charged so far, the Commander stated: “I don’t have the exact figure, but the 28 we have here today will undergo final profiling.”
He added that those found culpable would be taken to court the following morning.
