Amotekun nabs father, 3 sons for kdnapping in Ondo

You may think kidnappers can hide in the Nigerian forests and escape justice, but Amotekun has proved otherwise. The security outfit has arrested a 56-year-old man, Iliasu, and his three sons for allegedly kidnapping a victim who was traveling to Oba-Akoko in Ondo State.

Iliasu and his sons, Usman, 33; Wahab, 27; and Yakubu, 18, were paraded before the press by the Amotekun Commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye. According to Adeleye, the victim, Oyebade Samuel, was abducted while traveling on the Oba-Akoko Road. The kidnappers initially demanded ₦40 million but later reduced the ransom to ₦1.6 million, which the victim's family paid. Unfortunately, the kidnappers refused to release the victim, and this is when Amotekun got involved.

The Amotekun operatives launched a rescue operation and arrested the kidnappers after they refused to release the victim. During the rescue operation, the victim was found with multiple machete and knife injuries from his captivity. He was taken to the hospital for treatment. Over 75% of the ransom collected from the victim's family was recovered, along with other items linked to the suspects.

The Amotekun Commander said the victim's family initially contacted the kidnappers to inform them that they had already paid the ransom, but the kidnappers refused to release the victim. The family later alerted Amotekun, which launched an operation that led them to the kidnappers. The suspects attacked Amotekun operatives during the rescue operation but were subdued. 'They fled into the bush, but we chased them down and arrested them,' Adeleye explained.

It is worth noting that one of the suspects is believed to be the gang leader and has been on Amotekun's watchlist since 2024 over several kidnapping cases in Ondo North Senatorial District.

According to Oyebade Samuel, the victim, he was traveling on the Oba-Akoko Road when his vehicle developed a fault. Four armed men emerged from the bush and kidnapped him, dragging him into the forest. They initially demanded ₦40 million but later reduced it to ₦1.6 million, which his family paid. 'Despite receiving the money, they refused to free me until Amotekun tracked them to the ransom collection point,' he said.

The victim's ordeal

Oyebade Samuel's ordeal began when his vehicle developed a fault along the Oba-Akoko Road. Four armed men emerged from the bush and kidnapped him, dragging him into the forest. The kidnappers first demanded ₦40 million but later reduced it to ₦1.6 million, which his family paid. Unfortunately, the kidnappers refused to release him until Amotekun tracked them to the ransom collection point.

Adeleye reiterated that Amotekun discourages ransom payments, adding that all money recovered would be returned to the victim's family. 'There is no hiding place for criminals in Ondo State, whether in the forests or within our communities. We remain committed to protecting lives and property,' he said.

Key Facts

• Victim's name: Oyebade Samuel • Kidnappers' names: Iliasu (father), Usman (son), Wahab (son), Yakubu (son) • Ransom demanded: ₦40 million (initially), ₦1.6 million (later) • Ransom paid: ₦1.6 million • Money recovered: Over 75% • Items recovered: Alcoholic drinks, drugs, cigarettes, and other items linked to the suspects • Injuries sustained by victim: Multiple machete and knife injuries • Watchlist status of gang leader: Been on Amotekun's watchlist since 2024