The Osun State Security Network Agency, and Amotekun Corps, has made significant progress in its battle against crime, arresting a wide array of suspects involved in various criminal activities across the state. One of the prominent arrests includes that of a 50-year-old Lagos resident, Najeemdeen Shola Bankole Adeyemi, for the attempted kidnapping of a young woman he befriended on Facebook.
The series of arrests highlights the growing complexity of online and offline criminal syndicates operating in Osun State, showcasing Amotekun’s effectiveness in protecting residents from these threats.
Deceptive Facebook Friendship Leads to Arrest
In a shocking case that underscores the dangers of social media, the Amotekun Corps apprehended Adeyemi for attempting to kidnap one Rodiat Adenike AbdulRazak, whom he had met online through Facebook. Briefing the press at the Amotekun Corps headquarters in Osogbo, the commander of the outfit, Isaac Omoyele, detailed the suspect’s elaborate scheme to lure the unsuspecting victim into a vulnerable position.
Omoyele explained that Adeyemi, a 50-year-old Lagos resident, made contact with AbdulRazak through Facebook, presenting himself as a well-meaning individual who wished to visit her in Osogbo. Using deceptive charm and false promises, Adeyemi convinced AbdulRazak to meet him at a local restaurant in the city.
“On 15th September 2024, at about 2:45 PM, one Rodiat Adenike AbdulRazak, a native of Osogbo, reported that she met a man on Facebook who promised to visit her from Lagos,” Omoyele said. “The suspect, one Najeemdeen Shola Bankole Adeyemi, came to Osogbo and lured the complainant to a nearby restaurant where he stylishly collected her Android phone and escaped.”
Adeyemi’s ruse did not end there. After the incident, Amotekun operatives tracked him from Lagos back to Osogbo, where he was apprehended while attempting to steal another phone from a different victim. Upon his arrest, the suspect confessed to using fraudulent Facebook accounts to lure victims and manipulate them.
“He confessed to having been using tricks on his victims by fraudulently lying to them with a fake Facebook account,” Commander Omoyele revealed. “We urge young ladies and the public to be cautious of the dangers of befriending strangers on social media, especially on platforms like Facebook.”
Adeyemi is set to be handed over to the Nigerian Police for prosecution, and authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant in the face of such manipulative online scams.
Criminal Syndicate Paraded for Currency Counterfeiting and Other Crimes
In addition to Adeyemi’s arrest, the Amotekun Corps paraded several other criminals involved in a range of illegal activities. Among them is 30-year-old Elizabeth Ako, who was arrested for currency counterfeiting in the Sabo area of Ilesa. According to Omoyele, Ako was caught red-handed attempting to use fake N1,000 notes to purchase goods from unsuspecting traders.
“On 16th September 2024, at around 9:45 AM, the suspect, one Rebecca Ako, aged 30, was arrested at Sabo Market, Ilesa, while using fake N1,000 denomination to buy goods,” Omoyele explained. “During interrogation, she confessed to indulging in the business for a long time.”
Ako further revealed that she procured the counterfeit notes from a woman known only as Mrs. Elizabeth, who operates from Abuja. The counterfeiter explained that she paid N50,000 in genuine currency to receive N200,000 in fake money, a fraudulent business that had significantly enriched her over time.
“She said she used to pay fifty thousand naira which is original to collect two hundred thousand naira of fake money,” Omoyele said. “She has used fake currency to enrich herself.”
Elizabeth Ako’s arrest shines a spotlight on the circulation of counterfeit currency in Osun State, with authorities warning business owners to be cautious and check their currency carefully to avoid falling victim to similar scams.
Murder, Theft, and Other Crimes Uncovered
Among the other criminals paraded by Amotekun was 37-year-old Olaniyan Afeez, who was arrested for motorcycle theft, conspiracy, murder, and trading in human parts. Afeez, described as a dangerous criminal, specializes in snatching motorcycles from unsuspecting victims and murdering them for their body parts, which he sells to criminal networks involved in human trafficking.
Omoyele also provided details on the arrest of 19-year-old Olatinwo Quy, who was apprehended for motorcycle theft in Apomu, located in the Isokan local government area. Additionally, 29-year-old ex-convict Tajudeen Riliwan was arrested for stealing a ceiling fan from a mosque in Osogbo, while 20-year-old Laisi Kazeem was nabbed for repeatedly stealing transformer cables that supply electricity to parts of Ila-Odo town.
These arrests underscore the diversity of criminal activities plaguing Osun State, from petty theft to organized criminal syndicates.
Ex-Convicts Return to Crime
Two ex-convicts, 45-year-old Babatunde Aderemi and the aforementioned Olaniyan Afeez, were rearrested for their involvement in separate criminal acts in Ikirun. The fact that these individuals returned to a life of crime after serving time in prison highlights the challenges facing law enforcement agencies in rehabilitating offenders and preventing recidivism.
Moreover, Omoyele revealed that a young duo, 19-year-old Adegboye Glory and 30-year-old Bidemi Adebayo, were arrested for burglary and theft in Iwo local government. This pair allegedly broke into homes and businesses, stealing valuable items to sell in the black market.
Amotekun’s Role in Keeping Osun Safe
The Amotekun Corps, an indigenous security network designed to bolster local law enforcement, has been at the forefront of combating crime in Osun State.
Since its inception, Amotekun has been instrumental in addressing crimes ranging from petty theft to more organized forms of criminality like kidnapping and armed robbery. The corps’ ability to gather intelligence, track suspects, and apprehend criminals has been lauded as a crucial step toward creating a safer environment for residents.
Commander Omoyele, in his briefing, reaffirmed the commitment of Amotekun to the safety and security of the people of Osun State. He emphasized that the network would continue to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to ensure that criminals are prosecuted and held accountable for their actions.
“We remain committed to keeping our communities safe from these criminals,” Omoyele said. “We will continue to work tirelessly to apprehend those who seek to destabilize the peace in Osun State.”
A Call for Vigilance
As Osun State battles with the rising complexity of criminal networks, the public is being urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies. In particular, young people, especially women, have been warned to exercise caution when forming relationships online, as criminals continue to exploit social media platforms to carry out scams and other illicit activities.
The Amotekun Corps’ success in recent arrests serves as a testament to the power of community-driven security initiatives. However, it also highlights the need for ongoing collaboration between law enforcement and the general public to ensure that criminals, both online and offline, are brought to justice.
Residents of Osun State can take comfort in knowing that Amotekun, backed by a dedicated and proactive team, is on the frontlines of the battle to make the state a safer place for all.
