Sam Philip
Ondo State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps has busted a syndicate that specialists in breaking in o homes and shops to steal electronic gadgets and telephone handsets.
The formation arrested four suspects and recovered goods worth over N300 million from them.
The Corps Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye disclosed that the syndicate had members in Lagos and Ondo states.
The suspects usually stockpiled their loots for repackaging before transporting them to Ondo State.
Cartons were used for the repackaging of the gadgets to deceive any prying eyes.
Having repackaged the gadgets, they would transport them to another suspected member of the syndicate who would sell them to unsuspecting buyers.
The Amotekun Corps Commander disclosed that the bubble burst when the commercial bus boarded by one of the suspects from Ojota Motor Park, Lagos, stopped for refueling and it was discovered that the goods were repackaged.
This prompted further investigation that led to the arrest of other three members of the syndicate.
Some other electronic gadgets were recovered from the syndicate which were discovered belong to a licenced electronics dealer in Ondo State.
Akogun Adeleye said the good would be returned to the dealer after all necessary court processes have been done.
Explaining to journalists, the Corps Commander said: “More than celebrating the arrest of criminals, we are celebrating the recovery of life and property.
“Our operations in the past week have led to a reduction in cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary, and cult-related activities.”
Speaking on the arrested kidnap suspects, Akogun Adeleye disclosed that two persons were abducted along Itagbolu Road in Akure North Local Government Area of the state, six days ago.
But the operatives of Amotekun were able to rescue the abductees after combing the forest for 96 hours.
Meanwhile, the kidnappers had contacted the families of the victims and demanded a N50 million ransom.
Akogun Adeleye disclosed that no ransom was paid by the families of the abductees before they were rescued.
He said: “We advise residents not to pay ransom, and we are glad that most kidnap cases in the last two months have been resolved without payment.”
Another suspect paraded by the Amotekun Corps was a local gang leader who had been on the wanted list of the formation. He was said to have evaded arrest for six months.
Also an unrepentant offender, who jumped bail and fled to Kano, was rearrested and brought back to Ondo State.
One other suspects is said to have been involved in violent clashes with herders.