Amotekun nabs guard who kidnapped himself in Ondo

A security guard, Sule Gende, working at a rubber plantation in Edo State, has been arrested by Ondo State’s Amotekun security outfit for orchestrating his own kidnapping and demanding a N50 million ransom from his employer. Chief Adetunji Adeleye, the Amotekun commander for Ondo State, reported the arrest while parading 22 other suspected criminals in Akure, the state capital. He mentioned that two additional suspects were apprehended in connection with the crime.

Adeleye explained that Gende was captured at his duty post in Edo State and taken to a hideout in Ondo State’s Southern senatorial district. To expedite the trial, the two suspects will be handed over to the Director of State Services (DSS) in Edo State for prosecution.

The 19-year-old suspect, James Lisbon, who hosted Gende in his apartment, said he agreed to help his friend under the assumption that Gende would soon travel to Benue State. Lisbon also admitted giving Gende N10,000 on two separate occasions to assist with his sustenance.

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An official from the company where Gende worked said CCTV footage showed the night guard being kidnapped by gunmen. The kidnappers subsequently contacted the company, demanding a N50 million ransom. This amount was later reduced to N35 million, and ultimately to N15 million. The company informed the DSS, but when no progress was made, they sought Amotekun’s assistance, which led to the capture of the suspects at their hideout.

Chief Adeleye also shared that 1,200 Amotekun personnel have been deployed across all 18 local government areas of Ondo State to enhance security during the festive season. The personnel will patrol 24/7 to prevent increased crime due to the influx of visitors. Adeleye assured that Amotekun is collaborating with other security agencies and has a comprehensive strategy to maintain safety throughout the Yuletide period. He added that Amotekun would be present at key locations and black spots and announced the start of a 24/7 joint border patrol with Osun State to ensure the safety of travelers between the two states.