EKO HOT BLOG reports that Akinmola Oyekanmi, a suspect apprehended by the Ondo State security outfit known as Amotekun, has shed light on the puzzling decision of his gang to demand a ransom from the family of their deceased victim.
During a parade of suspected criminals terrorizing the state, Oyekanmi revealed that the victim tragically lost his life while negotiations were underway with his family members.
The kidnapper, along with three other members of his gang, had kidnapped the victim who was traveling from Mower area in Ogun State to Ondo State.
In his account, Oyekanmi expressed remorse, saying, “It is a pity that one of my gang members’ gun accidentally discharged and killed the victim. We spotted the victim and decided to abduct him as a group of four. While we were attempting to coerce his cooperation, the gun misfired, instantly causing his death.”
Nigerian police
Realizing the victim’s demise but having obtained a contact number from him, the gang proceeded to demand a ransom from the family. Oyekanmi explained, “We didn’t want to come away empty-handed since he provided us with his family members’ contact number for ransom negotiations.”
He further added, “We engaged in ongoing negotiations, but the family was hesitant to meet our demands. They insisted on speaking with the victim before paying the ransom, likely suspecting foul play. To deceive them, we claimed there was no network where he was being held and pretended to travel to an area with network coverage to communicate with them.”
However, suspicions were aroused among the locals in Okitipupa, where the gang was stationed during negotiations. The observant individuals likely alerted the Amotekun personnel, who swiftly moved in to apprehend them. While the other members of the gang managed to escape, Oyekanmi was caught by the Amotekun officers.
Maintaining his innocence regarding intent to kill, the suspect, who identified himself as a farmer, confessed, “I have successfully carried out two kidnapping operations prior to this incident, and this was my third. None of us intended to harm the victim, but the gun discharged accidentally, leading to his tragic demise.”
Confirming the arrest, Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, stated that the suspect was apprehended based on intelligence reports. He explained that the victim was shot dead during ongoing negotiations between the family and the gang members, who failed to disclose the victim’s passing.
Adeleye elaborated, “Our officers in Okitipupa noticed the movement of the kidnappers and swiftly intervened. They discovered the victim’s lifeless body and managed to capture Oyekanmi while the remaining criminals fled the scene.”
The incident highlights the complexities surrounding the case, as investigations continue to uncover additional details related to the kidnapping and subsequent ransom demand, despite the unfortunate outcome of the victim’s accidental death.
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