The Ondo state Police command has uncovered a staged kidnapping plot and arrested the alleged mastermind, who reportedly orchestrated his own abduction to extort money from his family.
The command also arrested one of the suspect’s alleged accomplices following an intelligence-driven investigation that exposed the fraudulent scheme.
The police said the case began on July 5, 2026, when Mrs. Iyabo of Oda Road, Akure, reported that her 33-year-old son, Olawale Sikiru, of St. Luke Street, Akure, had allegedly been kidnapped while travelling to Igbara-Oke for work by unknown persons.
Acting swiftly on the report, detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a coordinated investigation, deploying intelligence assets and conducting forensic analysis on the telephone number used to demand a ransom of N1 million from the victim’s family.
The investigation paid off on July 7, 2026, when detectives arrested Olawale Sikiru, who allegedly confessed to staging his own kidnapping.
Police investigations revealed that the suspect successfully deceived his family into paying ₦50,000 as part of the demanded ransom before the plot was uncovered.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Agbelusi Ayomide, 23, who allegedly conspired with the suspect and provided him with shelter while the fake kidnapping was being carried out.
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate believed to have participated in the criminal act. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo state, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the professionalism and diligence of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit for exposing the deception through intelligence-led policing.
He warned members of the public against staging kidnappings or participating in any criminal conspiracy for financial gain, stating that such acts waste valuable security resources, inflict emotional and financial hardship on victims’ families, and attract severe legal consequences.