……Arrests 48 suspects under operation safe ground.
In its bid to get the state raid of criminals, the Ondo State Security Network, codenamed ‘Amotekun Corps’ on wednesday it has arrested and prosecuted over six hundred suspected criminals since January this year, even as the corps paraded three fake foreign currencies syndicates who have been defrauding members of the public.
The State Commander of the security outfit, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye disclosed this in Akure while parading forty eight suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, fraudsters and car snatchers arrested during recently launched Operation Safe Ground.
According to Akogun Adeleye, the fake currency syndicates usually hypnotized their victims after picking them on the highway by pretending to be operating cheap commercial transportation, and in the process defrauded them of their valuable materials and cash.
The commander of the corps, who said further that,five of the suspected criminals were arrested for car snatching in Owo, and breaking of transformer’s cables .
He said two new cars were recovered from the suspects which they stole from the Northern senatorial district of the state in the night.
Akogun Adeleye pointed out that the suspected criminals’ activities spanned kidnapping, cattle theft, attempted murder, fraud, counterfeiting of money, cultism, burglary, arson, and vandalization of critical government assets.
According to him, “the message we are sending to criminals is clear: Ondo State is not a safe haven for them.
“We want them to understand that kidnapping, car theft, housebreaking—none of these crimes will go unpunished here. What’s the point of stealing if you can’t escape the consequences?
“So, we are warning criminals to leave Ondo State,” he emphasized.
“Just last week, a Toyota and a Lexus were stolen from different locations in Owo. We tracked one vehicle from Owo to Igbara-Oke and to the Military Roadblock, where we safely recovered it.
“We also responded to a midnight distress call in Owo where a Toyota Camry was stolen. Within 30 minutes, we recovered the vehicle and are pursuing the robbers.
“During this period, we apprehended vandals who targeted transformers, recovering copper coils they had stolen. The suspects have fled the state, but we are pursuing them.
“We also dealt with a ‘One Chance’ syndicate targeting commuters. We placed our operatives in one of their vehicles, recovering three out of their ten vehicles and arresting the kingpin,” he added.
“We have arrested 48 suspects today. They will be processed and presented to the appropriate court. Those found guilty will be sent to correctional facilities,” he assured.
The Amotekun Commander further reassured the people of Ondo State that the Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa-led administration is committed to creating a conducive environment for businesses, fostering social activities, and ensuring safety so that everyone can sleep with peace of mind.
In an interview, A fake currency syndicate, Temidayo Olagundoye, 52 -year old man who was arrested along side other suspects, confessed that he actually involved in the crime of “one chance” dispossessing people of their belongings and sometimes rape the victims.
