Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old truck driver and two friends for allegedly staging his own kidnapping to extort N1.5 million from his family. The incident underscores a disturbing rise in fake kidnapping schemes across Nigeria, where perpetrators exploit familial fears for financial gain.
Operatives from the Ogbese Division, alongside members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), hunters, and vigilantes, conducted a bush-combing operation at Kashimola/Agunla Forest. They intercepted a motorcycle carrying two suspects, John Peter, aged 30, and James Peter, both from Igbodudu Camp via Daada Ala, who possessed N800,000 in cash, a packet of Benson & Hedges cigarettes, and a bottle of Aromatic Schnapps. “A thorough search of their belongings led to the recovery of N800,000, one packet roll of Benson cigarettes, and a bottle of Aromatic schnapps, raising immediate suspicion,” stated Ondo Police spokesperson Ayanlade Olushola (DSP).
The suspects claimed the money was ransom for their “abducted” younger brother, identified as the primary suspect, Tobi Oluwatuyi. Interrogation prompted police to launch a sting operation targeting anyone attempting to collect the ransom. “Through intelligence-led policing and concerted operational efforts, one individual who showed up to receive the ransom was immediately arrested,” Olushola added.
Further probes exposed the shocking twist: Tobi Oluwatuyi had orchestrated the entire plot, faking his abduction and positioning himself in a nearby bush along Ogbese Road to retrieve the funds. “Police later traced and arrested Mathew Ekele in a nearby bush on the Ogbese Road, where he had taken position to collect the ransom after pretending to have been abducted. His motorcycle was also recovered as evidence,” the police statement noted, aligning with patterns in Oluwatuyi’s arrest.
Police recovered Oluwatuyi’s motorcycle as key evidence linking him to the scheme. The operation highlights collaborative security efforts, credited to the leadership of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
This case follows similar self-kidnapping incidents in Ondo, including a pastor and his wife arrested earlier for a related scam. Authorities urge residents to stay vigilant against such frauds. “The command called on the residents of the state to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, noting that timely information is crucial in preventing criminals from deceiving families through staged kidnappings,” Ayanlade emphasized.
