Police arrest man in Ondo for staging own kidnap to extort family
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man for allegedly faking his own kidnapping in a bid to extort ransom money from his family, describing the incident as part of a growing trend of “fraudulent and staged criminal activities” in the state.
Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday, December 2, noting that the development highlights the command’s “renewed commitment to tackling fraudulent and staged criminal activities across the state.”
He explained that operatives of the Ogbese Division, in collaboration with the Oodua Peoples Congress, local hunters and vigilantes, intercepted two suspects during a routine patrol around the Kashimola/Agunla Forest. The men were found with N800,000, a pack of Benson cigarettes and a bottle of Aromatic Schnapps — items Ayanlade said “immediately raised suspicion.”
During interrogation, the suspects told officers the cash was ransom money meant to secure the release of their younger brother, identified as Mathew Ekele, who they claimed had been kidnapped. Acting on the information, Ayanlade said officers set up a sting operation, explaining: “During this operation, the team intercepted a motorcycle conveying John Peter, 30 years, and James Peter, both of Igbodudu Camp via Daada Ala.”
Police said one individual then arrived at the designated location to collect the ransom and was promptly arrested. But investigators soon discovered a twist.
Ayanlade said: “Further investigation revealed a surprising twist: the supposed kidnap victim had orchestrated the entire scheme.”
He added that officers later traced and arrested Mathew Ekele in a nearby bush along Ogbese Road, where he had positioned himself to collect the ransom after pretending to have been abducted. “His motorcycle was also recovered as evidence,” the statement added.
The police spokesperson praised the success of the operation, crediting it to intelligence-led policing strengthened by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun. Ayanlade said the IGP’s support “continues to strengthen police operations nationwide.”
The command urged residents to be vigilant and alert law enforcement to any suspicious activity. According to Ayanlade, “timely information is crucial in preventing criminals from deceiving families through staged kidnappings.”
Reiterating its commitment to public safety, the police assured residents that “all forms of criminality will be tackled decisively across the state.”
