Ondo State Police Command have arrested a 22-year-old truck driver and two accomplices for allegedly staging a self-kidnap to extort money from his unsuspecting family members.
The spokesperson of the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, December 11, said the incident was reported after a citizen alerted the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad that a truck driver, Tobi Oluwatuyi, had been abducted at Ilu Abo, in Akure North local government area of the state.
Police operatives from the command immediately opened an investigation, while preliminary findings revealed that the supposed victim had staged his own abduction.
According to the PPRO, Oluwatuyi was said to have conspired with two other people, Jubril Abu, 20, and Segun Oluwatuyi, 21, to demand N1.5 million ransom from his family.
The family, who believed that Oluwatuyi’s abduction was real reportedly paid the ransom into one of the suspects’ accounts before detectives traced the ransom to him.
The police spokesperson said further investigations, however, confirmed the plot, while the three suspects reportedly confessed to the crime.
“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 statement read.
“The case began when a concerned citizen reported at the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad that some suspected kidnappers had abducted one Tobi Oluwatuyi ‘m’, aged 22, a truck driver, from the Ilu Abo area of Akure.
“Acting promptly on the report, detectives from the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad immediately commenced a meticulous investigation into the incident.
“As the inquiry progressed, preliminary findings revealed a startling twist: the supposed victim, Tobi Oluwatuyi, had deliberately staged his own kidnapping in conspiracy with Jubril Abu ‘m’, aged 20, and Segun Oluwatuyi ‘m’, aged 21.
“Their intention was to extort a ransom of N1,500,000, which the victim’s unsuspecting family eventually paid, believing he had been genuinely abducted.
“Building on this discovery, further investigation confirmed that the entire incident was a calculated attempt by the trio to obtain money fraudulently. All suspects have since confessed to their involvement in the crime, reinforcing the effectiveness of the Command’s investigative approach. They will be charged to court at the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
“In acknowledging the broader support that strengthens police operations, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc+, mnips, appreciates the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, for his consistent support, strategic guidance, and unwavering commitment to enhancing policing capabilities nationwide. This leadership continues to empower Commands to detect, prevent, and respond decisively to criminal activities.
“Against this backdrop, the Commissioner of Police further urges members of the public to promptly report incidents of this magnitude to the Police and allow investigators to professionally handle such situations.
“He cautions against yielding to ransom demands in kidnap-related cases, noting that such actions inadvertently encourage criminal enterprises and undermine ongoing security efforts.
“He emphasized that the Command remains fully equipped and committed to deploying every lawful means to ensure victims’ safety and to apprehend perpetrators without exposing families to avoidable financial loss or risk.
“In continuation of this caution, the CP warns against the rising trend of self-orchestrated kidnappings, stressing that such deceptive acts constitute serious offences and will always be uncovered through diligent investigation. He reiterated that individuals engaging in such criminal deceit will face the full weight of the law.
“The Command reassures residents that Ondo State will not serve as a haven for criminals of any kind. The Police remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property, and the continued cooperation of the public will further strengthen collective security. Together, we will ensure that the State remains safe, stable, and secure for all.”
