The Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, has paraded 28 suspects arrested for various criminal offences, including a father and his three sons accused of orchestrating a kidnapping operation in the state’s northern senatorial district.

Parading the suspects at the corps’ headquarters in Akure, the Commander of Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, alleged that the family used their herd of cattle as cover for their criminal activities.

The suspects were identified as Iliasu, 56, and his sons, Usman, 33, Wahab, 27, and Yakubu, 18.

Adeleye said the eldest son, who was also allegedly involved in the kidnapping, had fled the state about two years ago but recently returned to coordinate the latest operation in which a traveller heading to Oba Akoko in Akoko South West Local Council was abducted.

According to him, the victim remained in captivity even after the family paid a ransom without notifying Amotekun, as the kidnappers had warned them against reporting the incident.

“That is the money on display. Amotekun is not involved in ransom payments, so we are not interested in how much was paid. As far as the corps is concerned, we do not encourage the payment of ransom. Since the money belongs to the family, it is being returned to them,” he said.

Adeleye also said seven suspects — Mohammed, Tekasu, Rabi, Abubakar, Saibu, Kalij and Adamu — were arrested over alleged armed banditry.

He added that Ayodele, 26, Oluwatobi, 24, and Michael, 34, were arrested over alleged illegal possession of firearms, robbery and cultism.

According to him, another suspect, Olagi, was arrested for alleged rape and stealing.

He further disclosed that Idowu and Taiwo were arrested in Akure South Local Council over alleged conspiracy and theft of a generator, while Abdul, 27, Amodu David and another suspect, identified only as 39, were arrested in connection with the alleged theft of food items.

The Amotekun commander also said Akpaba Felix, 30, Agbonuma Abigail, 25, Mak, 24, Kelvin, 24, Kuma, 27, and Tuk, 24, were arrested at Oke-Ijebu in Akure over alleged conspiracy and breach of the peace.