Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has ordered the release of 28 suspects arrested by men of the Ondo State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps.
The 28 suspects were among 45 suspects arrested across the 18 local government areas for offences ranging from kidnapping, dangerous driving, burglary, anti grazing, destruction of public peace, stealing and buying of stolen goods.
Commander of Ondo Amotekun Corps, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, said the 28 suspects have been profiled as first time offenders, stating their offences were not of capital punishment.
He said the Governor ordered the suspects be released to their next of kin for rehabilitation.
According to him: “In the spirit of the festive period, the Governor has directed that 28 of them, having been profiled as first time offenders whose offences are not ones with capital punishment, are to be released to their next of kin for rehabilitation with strict warning not to perpetrated such acts again.
“The remaining will face the full wrath of the law for committing such crimes because we have profiled them.
“A couple of weeks ago, we reassured the people of their safety this festive period. We have a particular case where we were able to break the kidnap syndicate in Akokorŕ. In our strive to bring them out, the kidnapper that already confessed was matcheted in several places by his fellow kidnapper who wanted to cover up the crime.
“Officers of the corp rushed the kidnapper to the hospital and he was treated. He has given us useful information.
“This kidnap syndicate has confessed to several kidnapping activities in Akoko, Kogi and Edo area. And we are still looking for their sponsor who is at large.
“We are reassuring the people that there is no hiding place for criminals in Ondo State.”