Security forces in Ondo State, known as Amotekun, have taken a 56-year-old man named Iliasu and his three sons—Usman, 33, Wahab, 27, and Yakubu, 18—into custody for their alleged involvement in a kidnapping incident in Oba-Akoko. The arrests were confirmed by Amotekun Commander Akogun Adetunji Adeleye during a press briefing in Akure, where a total of 28 individuals were presented for various criminal acts.
The victim, Oyebade Samuel, was seized while traveling to Oba-Akoko. His vehicle broke down, prompting four armed men to emerge from the brush with weapons, including guns and machetes. They assaulted him before dragging him into the forest. Although the kidnappers initially demanded 40 million Naira, they eventually settled for 1.6 million Naira. Despite the ransom payment, the captors refused to release Samuel and threatened the family against involving law enforcement.
After the kidnappers failed to honor their agreement, the family sought assistance from Amotekun. Operatives conducted a tactical investigation and located the suspects, who had been masquerading as cattle herders. During the rescue, the suspects resisted, leading to a brief confrontation where they were ultimately overpowered. The victim, found suffering from severe lacerations caused by blades and sticks, was hospitalized for treatment.
Commander Adeleye stated that the group’s leader had been a person of interest since early 2024 for multiple kidnappings in the northern part of the state. Following the rescue, authorities recovered approximately 75 percent of the ransom money, along with various contraband items. The commander emphasized that his organization discourages ransom payments and confirmed that all recovered funds will be returned to the victim’s family. He reaffirmed that the agency remains steadfast in ensuring the safety of all citizens across the state.
