The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 33 year-old man, Olawale Sikiru, for allegedly staging his own kidnapping in a bid to extort money from his family, while also apprehending one of his accomplices in Akure.
According to the Police, the case was reported on July 5, 2026, after the suspect’s mother, Mrs. Iyabo of Oda Road, Akure, informed authorities that her son had allegedly been abducted by unknown gunmen while travelling to Igbara-Oke for work.
The purported kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦1 million for his release.
The Command immediately launched an intelligence-driven investigation, deploying detectives and conducting forensic analysis of the telephone number used to negotiate the ransom.
The operation led to the arrest of Olawale Sikiru on July 7, after investigators discovered that he had masterminded the entire kidnapping plot.
Police said the suspect succeeded in obtaining ₦50,000 from his family as part payment of the ransom before his plan was uncovered. Further investigation also led to the arrest of Agbelusi Ayomide, 23, who allegedly conspired with Sikiru and provided him with shelter while the fake abduction was being carried out.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for exposing the fraudulent scheme through professional and intelligence-led policing.
He warned that staging kidnappings or assisting such criminal acts wastes valuable security resources, causes emotional and financial trauma to families, and attracts severe legal consequences.
The Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest other suspected members of the syndicate, while the arrested suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Command also urged residents to continue providing credible information to assist security agencies in combating crime and protecting lives and property across Ondo State.
