Suspected kidnapper arraigned for attacking Amotekun operatives in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi

A suspected kidnapper, Usman Ibrahim, was on Thursday arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court over allegations of conspiring to abduct farmers and attacking operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun Corps.

The defendant was brought before Magistrate Damilola Sekoni on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy to kidnap and offences connected with kidnapping. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution counsel, Olusegun Akeredolu, told the court that the alleged offences were committed on July 26, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m. in Igushi Forest, Imafon, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Akeredolu alleged that Ibrahim and other suspects still at large conspired to kidnap farmers working on their farmlands before security operatives intervened.

The prosecutor further informed the court that the defendant allegedly opened fire on Amotekun operatives while attempting to flee with the victims, adding that the actions violated Sections 4 and 8 of the Ondo State Anti-Kidnapping and Anti-Abduction Law, 2010.

Following the arraignment, the prosecution urged the court to remand the defendant at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

In his argument, the defence counsel, Kizito T. Duru, opposed the application, asking the court for time to respond to the prosecution’s request for remand before any ruling is made.

Magistrate Sekoni subsequently adjourned the case until August 17, 2026, for the hearing of the remand application.