The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 33-year-old man, Olawale Sikiru, for allegedly staging his own kidnapping in Akure.
Police also arrested a suspected accomplice, Agbelusi Ayomide, 23, who was accused of helping him carry out the fake abduction plot.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Saturday in Akure.
Jimoh said the case began on July 5 after Sikiru’s mother reported that her son had allegedly been kidnapped by unknown persons while travelling to Igbara-Oke for work.
According to the police, the command immediately launched a coordinated investigation into the reported abduction.
Investigators deployed intelligence tools and carried out forensic analysis on the phone number allegedly used to demand ransom from the family.
The suspects were said to have demanded N1 million for Sikiru’s release.
Jimoh said the investigation produced results on July 7 when detectives arrested Sikiru.
Police said further findings showed that he allegedly planned and staged the kidnapping himself.
According to the command, Sikiru allegedly collected N50,000 from his family as part of the ransom paid for his supposed release.
Further investigation reportedly led detectives to Ayomide, who allegedly conspired with Sikiru and kept him in his residence while the plot was being carried out.
The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the suspected syndicate believed to have been involved in the incident.
Jimoh added that the arrested suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigation.
The command warned members of the public against staging kidnappings or supporting any form of criminal conspiracy for financial gain.
Jimoh said fake kidnapping cases waste critical security resources and create unnecessary fear in communities.
He added that such acts also impose emotional and financial hardship on families and attract serious legal consequences.
The Ondo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling criminal activities through intelligence-led policing.
It also urged residents to continue sharing timely and credible information that could help security agencies protect lives and property across the state.
