The Amotekun Corps, a security network in the South West region of Nigeria, has arrested a 24-year-old man suspected of rape in Iwo, Osun State. The suspect allegedly kept a 16-year-old girl in his room for three days while having sexual intercourse with her.
According to the Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Osun, retired Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinmbi, the arrest was made on Friday, and the suspect has since confessed to the crime. The suspect and a 28-year-old herbalist who allegedly defrauded people were arrested at different locations in Iwo.
The herbalist was found to be in possession of fake $100 and N1,000 notes. Both suspects were handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
In a statement to reporters in Osogbo on Saturday, Mr Adewinmbi urged Osun residents to assist security agencies by providing information that could prevent crime and lead to the apprehension of criminals.
He commended the Amotekun team for their swift response to the reports made against the suspects, and urged them to sustain the momentum in their efforts to combat crime in the state.
The Amotekun security network was launched in January 2020 to address the rising wave of insecurity in the South West region of Nigeria. It comprises operatives from the six states in the region and has been effective in reducing crime and protecting lives and property.
Since its inception, the security outfit has made several arrests of criminals involved in different forms of criminal activities such as kidnapping, banditry, and robbery.
The Amotekun team has also embarked on community policing, sensitization campaigns, and intelligence gathering in a bid to nip crime in the bud and ensure the safety of residents in the South West region.
However, the security outfit has faced some challenges, including funding and logistics. The Nigerian government has been urged to support the Amotekun initiative to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness in addressing the security challenges in the region.