NB247
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested one Bello Azeez ‘m’, aged 29, a native of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, for allegedly staging his own kidnap.
Police say he sought to extort money from his parents and acquaintances.
Investigation revealed that the suspect had earlier requested the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (₦500,000) from his father to repay a debt.
When his request was turned down, he conceived the idea of faking his own abduction as a means of obtaining the money.
According to Olayinka Ayanlade, Ondo Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Azeez perfected his plan and on 11th August, 2025, he falsely claimed to be travelling to Ibadan, after which he began placing distress calls to his parents and friends, alleging that he had been kidnapped.
“In a bid to secure his release, his parents together with his friends mobilized resources and created a GoFundMe account, through which they successfully raised the sum of ₦500,000,” Police Spokesman said.
“The suspect then instructed that the Five Hundred Thousand Naira, which his supposed abductors allegedly demanded and which had been raised through family contributions and the GoFundMe account, be transferred directly into his personal bank account — a directive that was complied with by his unsuspecting relatives and associates who believed he was in genuine distress.”
He said said suspicion began to mount when it became unusual that a supposed kidnapping victim would request that ransom be paid directly into his own bank account.
This prompted his family to alert the Police. Upon receiving the report, operatives of the Command immediately tracked the phone number used by the suspect and discovered that he had been in Owo throughout the period of the alleged abduction.
He was thereafter arrested. He confessed to the crime, and in the police said he will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
“This case once again underscores the dangers of greed, deceit, and the lure of quick wealth, which often push individuals into acts capable of ruining their future,” Mr Ayanlade said.
“The Command therefore admonishes parents and guardians to properly guide and educate their children and wards against crime, peer influence, and moral decadence.
“The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of Adebowale Lawal, reassures the good people of Ondo State that criminality in any form will not be tolerated.
“The public is urged to shun all forms of deception and fraudulent practices and to continue supporting the Police in promoting peace, security, and collective progress in our society.”
This development is a curious twist in the tales of kidnapping in Ondo State which has remained unabated.