By Damilola Isaiah, Akure
The Ondo State Security Network Agency also known as Amotekun Corps has arrested 61 suspected criminals including a 28-man syndicate that specializes in human trafficking and kidnapping.
Parading the suspects at the Corps headquarters in Akure the state capital, the corps state commandant, Adetunji Adeleye, said the 28 man syndicate were Ghanaian who lured unsuspecting victims to Nigeria with promises of visa procurement.
He explained that after the arrival of unsuspecting victims to Nigeria, the victims were kidnapped, and housed at a building in Oda town, Akure and the only condition for their release was them inviting another set of victims.
He said “Today, we are parading 61 suspects. These suspects were arrested for various crimes across the state. We equally have a syndicate that we were able to break their ranks. It’s a 28-man syndicate that specializes in kidnapping, human trafficking, and rustling.
“They invite unsuspecting members of the public that they want to help them procure U.S. visas. We have 28 Ghanaians that were invited to Akure, and once they come in, they collect money from them, some of them $2,000, some of them $1,500, and kidnap them and house them in Oda, and the only condition under which they leave the place is to bring another set to be kidnapped.
“The Eagle Eye of the Intelligence Section of Amotekun Corps was able to pick them and right here today, we have 28 of them. We equally have those of them that were rescued by the Corps and their families.
“These 28 suspected kidnappers have defrauded thousands of people, and it’s an international syndicate being coordinated by a Ghanaian resident in Akure, though at large. We’re sure that the long hand of justice will catch up with him.”
One of the victims (name withheld) narrated that he was invited from Ghana by his friend who promised to help him secure an Australian visa. He disclosed that there were over 70 of them detained at a confined space in Oda town, Akure.
“My friend called me to come to Nigeria to process my visa application. He told me that it is easier to procure an Australian visa in Nigeria than in Ghana. After arriving in Nigeria, they collected the $2000 with me and confined me in a room. Inside, I can count about 72 to 80 of us there,” he narrated.
Commander Adeleye urged Nigerians who are seeking greener pastures abroad to ensure that they deal with credible people.
He added “My advice to young men, please ensure you deal with credible people in your quest to seek greener pastures abroad. There are so many profitable ventures that you can engage on as a young man in Nigeria. I want to encourage you that now that the Ayedatiwa-led government is resolute in guaranteeing security of lives and property in the state, you can equally join the wagon in the agricultural sector.”
