The Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, has arrested a 56-year-old man, Iliasu, and his three sons for allegedly participating in the kidnapping of a motorist in Oba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The State Commander of Amotekun, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, announced the arrests while parading 28 suspects apprehended for various offences at the corps' headquarters in Akure.

According to Adeleye, the victim, Oyebade Samuel, was abducted after his vehicle developed a mechanical fault along the Oba-Akoko Road. The kidnappers initially demanded a ₦40 million ransom but eventually accepted ₦1.6 million from the victim's family.

Despite receiving the ransom, the suspects allegedly refused to free the victim and warned his relatives not to involve security agencies. The family, however, alerted Amotekun, prompting an intelligence-driven operation.

Adeleye said the suspects, who allegedly posed as cattle rearers while carrying out their criminal activities, were tracked down by operatives. During the rescue mission, they reportedly attacked Amotekun personnel but were subdued.

The victim was rescued with multiple machete and knife wounds and was immediately taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

The commander disclosed that operatives recovered more than 75 per cent of the ransom, along with alcoholic beverages, hard drugs, cigarettes, and other items believed to be connected to the suspects.

The suspects arrested alongside Iliasu were identified as his sons: Usman, 33; Wahab, 27; and Yakubu, 18.

Adeleye also revealed that the alleged gang leader had been on Amotekun's watchlist since 2024 over suspected involvement in several kidnapping cases across the Ondo North Senatorial District. He was said to have fled the state during previous security operations before returning to allegedly coordinate the latest abduction.

Recounting his ordeal, the rescued victim said four armed men emerged from the bush after his vehicle broke down, assaulted him, and dragged him into the forest, where he remained in captivity until Amotekun operatives rescued him.

Reaffirming the corps' stance against ransom payments, Adeleye said all recovered funds would be returned to the victim's family. He also assured residents that Amotekun remains committed to tackling criminal activities, stressing that Ondo State offers no refuge for criminals.