The arrested suspects
A 35-year-old Indian hemp farmer, Monday Reuben has been apprehended by the Western Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps, Ekiti State Command, for illegal possession of firearms.
The corps also arrested a 21-year-old man, Joseph Akanbi Emmanuel, with a suspected fresh bullet wound.
The State Commandant of Amotekun Corps, Brigadier General Joe Komolafe (Rtd), while parading the suspects before journalists in Ado-Ekiti, on Tuesday March 28, 2023, said Reuben was arrested at Ise-Ekiti forest with a locally made pistol.
Komolafe added that Joseph was arrested at Oke-Ila, Okeyinmi axis of Ado-Ekiti on a tip-off from members of the community that saw him coming out from the forest with injuries suspected to be a bullet wound.
“We arrested somebody at Ise-Ekiti forest over the weekend with locally made gun. On interrogation, he said he migrated from Owo forest and that he is an Indian hemp farmer.
“He came to Ise forest to plant Indian hemp. He said the short gun is used to protect himself from herdsmen who normally disturb them. But having in possession a locally made pistol is against the law of the land, that is Firearms Law. He indulged in illegal business of cultivating Indian hemp.
“Joseph was arrested along Oke-Ila, Okeyinmi Area of Ado-Ekiti on alert from the community people that they saw him coming out from the forest. Upon examination, we saw him with a very big wound in his leg which we suspect is bullet wound,”
“We need to let the community know that maybe he went to rob and was shot. Upon interrogation he was not coherent also. The two of them will be referred to the RRS Police for further investigation and if possible prosecution.”
The Commandant urged residents of the state to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their area, while appealing to criminals to desist from crime and embrace a good life.
“Elections are over, criminals will like to come back. Be very vigilant, be proactive. Report suspicious movement to us and we will do our best. Take security very seriously and be conscious of your environment,” he added.