The Ondo State Amotekun Corps has apprehended a 16-year-old student of Commercial High School, Akure, identified as Ajana Oluwa, for allegedly raping his 24-year-old neighbour at knifepoint.
The Commander of the Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, paraded the teenager alongside 28 other suspects accused of crimes, including attempted murder, rape, and burglary.
Speaking about his crime, Oluwa expressed regret, describing it as unprovoked. “I do not know what came over me. I regret my actions,” he said.
During a briefing at the Corps Headquarters in Akure on Monday, Adeleye attributed the recent arrests to intensified patrols and improved intelligence gathering across Ondo State. He assured residents of the Corps’ dedication to maintaining peace and tackling crime, particularly during the festive season.
Among the suspects paraded was Tope, who was arrested for attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms. Another suspect, Ralph Ajanaku, was accused of threatening a woman with a weapon in an attempt to rape her.
Additionally, three individuals—Moses, Sunday, and Joshua—were apprehended for theft and issuing threats to life, while ten suspects were linked to burglary, breaking and entering, and selling stolen items.
Adeleye also highlighted the arrest of a notorious member of a vehicle and motorcycle theft syndicate, known for dismantling stolen vehicles and selling them as scrap outside the state.
One of the paraded suspects was a serial housebreaker, who had been jailed twice in the past three years but resumed burglary activities within two weeks of his release.
Another suspect, Borokini Ayodeji, a 25-year-old Eiye cultist, admitted to stealing from a hospital on Arakale Road, citing hunger as his motivation. Ayodeji, a trained tailor, said poverty and lack of support drove him to crime.
Sanusi Akeem, a 28-year-old web designer from Ile-Oluji, confessed to burglary and stealing items, including a television, ceiling fan, and power bank from a house. He claimed it was his first time committing such an act.
Adeleye commended the Corps’ recent successes, noting that no incidents of kidnapping had been recorded in the state metropolis over the past two weeks. However, cases of abductions were reported at the state borders with Edo and Kogi, with efforts underway to rescue the victims.
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. Adeleye encouraged residents to report suspicious activities using the distress hotline (08079999989) and advised against buying second-hand items without verifying original receipts.
“If you see something, say something,” he emphasised, urging community vigilance. He also highlighted inter-state collaborations with Ekiti, Osun, and Ogun states to enhance security and prevent criminals from exploiting border areas as escape routes.
Adeleye revealed ongoing joint efforts with Ekiti State to resolve a high-profile case, underscoring the importance of inter-state security collaboration.
Reassuring residents, he concluded: “The state is safe, and with your cooperation, we can ensure a crime-free yuletide,” he said, adding that efforts are ongoing to dismantle criminal syndicates and ensure that culprits face justice.”
