Amotekun Arraigns Three Men Over Alleged Kidnapping and Assault in Ondo

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has arraigned three men before a magistrate court in Akure over allegations bordering on kidnapping, assault, and theft.

The suspects — Chukwudi Udo, Cletus Ugoji, and Benjamin Enoch — were brought before the Chief Magistrate’s Court Akure on Monday to face multiple criminal charges linked to alleged activities in the state.

Alleged Crimes

According to the prosecution team, the suspects were involved in criminal acts committed at different times between 2025 and February 12, 2026. The alleged offences reportedly took place at Laide Camp in Ipele, located in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Prosecutors informed the court that the defendants allegedly assaulted several victims within the camp area and forcefully took unspecified sums of money from them. They were also accused of abducting individuals in the same location during the period under investigation.

Authorities say the alleged actions of the suspects constitute serious violations of the state’s criminal laws.

Charges Filed

The prosecution stated that the charges brought against the defendants include conspiracy, abduction, assault, and theft.

According to the legal filings presented before the court, the offences contravene several provisions of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State 2006, specifically Sections 516, 383, 390, and 371.

The defendants were also charged under Section 3(ii)(b) of the Ondo State Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law 2010, which prescribes penalties for individuals involved in kidnapping or unlawful detention of others.

Defendants Plead Not Guilty

When the charges were read in court, the three defendants pleaded not guilty.

Their lawyer, C.O. Falana, requested that the court grant bail to his clients on liberal terms. He also asked for time to enable the defence team to prepare witnesses ahead of the trial.

Falana argued that the defendants should be allowed temporary freedom while the legal process unfolds.

Court Grants Bail

In her ruling, the presiding magistrate, T.I. James-Ayodele, granted bail to each of the defendants.

The court set bail at ₦500,000 for each accused person and required two sureties in the same amount as part of the conditions for release.

The magistrate also adjourned the case until March 31, 2026, when the court is expected to begin definite hearing of the case.

Amotekun’s Role in Regional Security

The Amotekun Corps was established by the governments of the South-West states to strengthen community security and support conventional law enforcement agencies in combating crimes such as kidnapping, banditry, and armed robbery.

Since its creation, the security outfit has been actively involved in intelligence gathering, patrol operations, and arrests related to criminal activities across several communities in the region.

Kidnapping has remained one of the most pressing security concerns in many parts of Nigeria, including the South-West. Security agencies have increasingly relied on collaboration between federal police units and regional outfits like Amotekun to address the challenge.

Awaiting Trial

With the defendants now granted bail and the case adjourned, the court will reconvene later in March to begin full hearing of the matter.

During the trial, the prosecution is expected to present witnesses and evidence to support the allegations against the suspects, while the defence team will have the opportunity to challenge the claims and present its own case.

The outcome of the proceedings will ultimately determine whether the accused individuals are found guilty or acquitted of the charges brought against them.