Ondo: Police arrest couple for alleged theft of food supplies from orphanage

Operatives of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps have apprehended a couple for allegedly breaking into an orphanage and stealing bags of rice along with various food supplies.

During a press briefing on Friday, Ondo Amotekun Corps Commander Adetunji Adeleye revealed that the couple was arrested following intelligence reports regarding their illicit activities.

The suspects, John Avor, 42, and his wife, Mary Avor, 38, were taken into custody along with their three young children after the alleged burglary at the orphanage in the Shagari area of Akure, the state capital.

Adeleye explained that the couple entered the orphanage under the cover of darkness to carry out the theft, and noted that they also cleared out a local pensioner’s shop filled with rice bags overnight.

The commander indicated that this family has a history of repeated burglaries, targeting residences and shops to steal essential food items, and had a ‘ready buyer’ for the stolen goods.

“We have a family that specializes in breaking into houses, consisting of the husband, wife, and children. They are a family of thieves,” Adeleye stated, emphasizing the seriousness of their offenses.

While the couple’s three minors, aged 12 and 15, were also involved, Adeleye clarified that the minors would not be paraded for legal reasons.

John Avor, who identified himself as a gateman, attributed his actions to the influence of the devil while speaking to reporters.

In addition to the couple, over twenty others were presented for various offenses.

As part of their commitment to combatting crime in the state, particularly kidnappings, Adeleye reported that the Amotekun Rangers, a specialized unit monitoring forest reserves, conducted a thorough search of the Elegbeka forest, known for its kidnapping incidents, resulting in the arrest of five suspects.

Adeleye mentioned that one member of a kidnapping gang, 28-year-old Usman Abubakar, was apprehended in Igbo Oba, Owo. Abubakar reportedly confessed to receiving a ransom of ₦2 million and provided details on how the money was shared, along with information about their ‘godfathers.’

“The Amotekun Rangers, launched by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, have penetrated the forest and, in the past week, we were able to thwart five kidnapping attempts and rescue nine victims,” Adeleye said.

He added, “The notorious areas in Elegbeka have been targeted, and we’re glad to say that the Amotekun Rangers have infiltrated the entire forest to ensure the safety of commuters and protect the community’s property. In the coming weeks, we will extend our operations to Ala, Ago-Oyibo, Ogbese, Jugbere, and other forests.”

Adeleye reaffirmed the Corps’ dedication to securing the state and assured investors of a safe environment, urging the public to refrain from purchasing secondhand items without proper receipts.