Ondo Amotekun Arrests Key Suspect in Brutal Murd3r of APC Ward Chairman Nelson Adepoyigi

 

In a major breakthrough for local law enforcement in Ondo State, the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has apprehended a key suspect linked to the gruesome murder of Nelson Adepoyigi, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Ward 5 Chairman in Ose Local Government Area.

This arrest comes as a significant development in the high-profile case that sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Ondo State and sparked outrage among both local residents and political leaders.

The Announcement by Amotekun Corps Commander

While addressing the press on Monday, June 23, 2025, in the state capital, Akure, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed the arrest of the prime suspect involved in the killing. Adeleye was speaking during a press briefing where over 30 other suspects were also paraded for various crimes across the state, ranging from armed robbery to kidnapping.

“We have apprehended one of the prime suspects who masterminded the killing of the APC ward chairman in Ose LGA,” Adeleye told journalists.
“He led us into the bush where we recovered some incriminating items from him.”

This revelation adds a new layer of hope to the ongoing investigation and has been received with a measure of relief by both the victim’s family and political allies, who have been calling for justice.

Background of the Tragic Incident

Nelson Adepoyigi was a respected grassroots politician in Ose Local Government Area. He was known for his dedication to community development and his firm loyalty to the APC. According to multiple sources, Adepoyigi was abducted last month while returning from his farm, which is located along the Ifon-Owo Road — a route that has become notorious for violent crimes and kidnappings in recent years.

Tragically, he was later found dead, having been murdered by his abductors. His untimely death shocked the community, not just because of the brutality of the act, but also because of the symbolic target he represented — a local leader dedicated to his people and his political party.

The incident ignited outrage within Ondo State’s political and security circles, with many citizens questioning how safe rural areas had become and demanding swift justice for the perpetrators.

A Major Step Towards Justice

According to Commander Adeleye, the arrest of the prime suspect marks a major turning point in the investigation. He emphasized that the suspect is believed to have played a leading role in planning and executing the abduction and murder.

“This arrest is a significant breakthrough,” Adeleye added. “It shows that Ondo State is serious about fighting violent crimes. We will not allow criminals to destabilize our communities.”

The suspect reportedly led security operatives to a hideout in the bush where certain incriminating items were recovered. Although Adeleye did not immediately disclose the nature of these items, he hinted that they would serve as important pieces of evidence in the ongoing investigation.

A Broader Crackdown on Crime

The arrest of the suspect in Adepoyigi’s murder came as part of a larger security operation by the Amotekun Corps, which paraded more than 30 suspects accused of various offences across Ondo State.

These crimes include:

• Armed robbery

• Kidnapping

• Illegal possession of firearms

• Cult activities

• Cattle rustling

• Rape and gender-based violence

Commander Adeleye reiterated the Corps’ commitment to eradicating all forms of criminality in the state, noting that the collaborative efforts between Amotekun and other security agencies such as the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and local vigilantes are yielding positive results.

“We are determined to make Ondo State safe for all residents,” he said. “The synergy between our security architecture and community-based intelligence is working.”

Political Reactions and Public Sentiment

Since the murder of Adepoyigi, public outcry has been intense. Political allies, particularly from the APC, have described the killing as “an attack on democracy and community leadership.”

Speaking to NaijaRush, a member of the APC in Ose LGA, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed cautious optimism about the arrest:

“We’re grateful that the security operatives are making progress. Nelson was more than a politician; he was a brother, a leader, and a man of peace. His death must not go unpunished.”

Several members of the community gathered outside the Amotekun office in Akure on Monday to witness the parade of suspects. Some expressed their hopes that justice would finally be served, not just for Adepoyigi but also for other victims of violent crimes across Ondo State.

Calls for Increased Security Along Rural Roads

One of the major concerns raised following Adepoyigi’s death was the lack of adequate security along rural roads like Ifon-Owo Road. Many farmers and travelers have reported incidents of robbery, assault, and abduction along this corridor.

Civic groups and human rights activists have called on the Ondo State Government and federal authorities to invest in better road surveillance, deploy more patrol units, and install security outposts in vulnerable areas.

“This is not just about Nelson. It’s about the safety of every Nigerian who travels these roads,” said Mrs. Bisi Owolabi, a local activist. “If farmers cannot go to their farms without fear, then we have a serious problem.”

What’s Next for the Investigation?

Although the arrest of one of the suspected masterminds is a major step forward, Commander Adeleye made it clear that the investigation is far from over. The Amotekun Corps and other security agencies are continuing the manhunt for remaining suspects who may have been involved in the planning and execution of the crime.

Adeleye encouraged anyone with useful information to come forward, assuring the public that such information would be treated with confidentiality and urgency.

“We are not stopping until everyone involved in this heinous act is brought to justice,” he said.

The Bigger Picture: Insecurity in Nigeria

The killing of Nelson Adepoyigi is not an isolated incident. Across Nigeria, cases of politically motivated violence, rural abductions, and targeted killings have been on the rise. The security challenges facing the nation have continued to evolve, with non-state actors often exploiting poorly guarded areas.

However, initiatives like the Amotekun Corps — a regional security outfit established by the South-West governors — are helping to fill some of the gaps left by federal security agencies.

With increased funding, better training, and deeper integration with local communities, outfits like Amotekun are becoming central to the fight against crime in Nigeria’s South-West.

Conclusion: A Community Still Mourning but Hopeful

While the arrest of a prime suspect in the murder of Nelson Adepoyigi brings a sense of progress, the pain of his loss is still fresh. For his family, friends, and political associates, true justice will only be complete when every individual responsible is prosecuted and convicted.

As the people of Ose Local Government and Ondo State continue to mourn, they also hope that this arrest will send a clear message to criminals — that violence will not go unchecked, and the long arm of the law will catch up with them.

The APC, civil society, and the general public continue to call for not just justice, but preventive security reforms that ensure such a tragedy never happens again.