The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old truck driver, Tobi Oluwatuyi, and two accomplices for allegedly staging his own kidnapping to extort money from his family.
The arrest was disclosed on December 11 by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola.
The incident came to light after a concerned citizen reported to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad that Oluwatuyi had been abducted at Ilu Abo in Akure North Local Government Area. Police immediately launched an investigation, which revealed that the supposed victim had orchestrated his own abduction in collusion with Jubril Abu, 20, and Segun Oluwatuyi, 21.
The trio reportedly demanded a ransom of N1.5 million from Oluwatuyi’s family, who believed the abduction to be genuine and transferred the money into one of the suspects’ accounts. Further investigation confirmed the plot, and all three suspects confessed to their roles in the scheme.
DSP Olushola stated, “The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the public of the arrest of individuals involved in a case of self-kidnapping orchestrated to extort money from unsuspecting family members. The development underscores the Command’s unwavering commitment to uncovering criminal schemes, no matter how carefully concealed.”
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon completion of the ongoing investigation. Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, urged the public to report kidnapping cases promptly and warned against yielding to ransom demands, stressing that such actions encourage criminal activities and jeopardize ongoing security efforts.
He further cautioned against self-orchestrated kidnappings, noting that such acts are serious offences that will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. CP Lawal reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and maintaining security across Ondo State, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in achieving these objectives.
