The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed plans to prosecute two individuals for allegedly orchestrating a fake kidnapping scheme aimed at extorting money from family members.
The suspects, identified as Olawale Sikiru, 33, and Agbelusi Ayomide, 23, were arrested following an investigation that revealed the abduction was deliberately staged. According to the police, Sikiru, with the assistance of Ayomide, fabricated his own kidnapping and demanded a ransom of ₦1 million from his relatives.
The incident was reported on July 5, 2026, by Mrs. Iyabo, who informed authorities that her son had been abducted while travelling from Akure to Igbara-Oke. Acting swiftly, the police launched a coordinated investigation, deploying intelligence resources and conducting forensic analysis on the phone number used to demand ransom.
Police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the investigation led to a breakthrough on July 7, when Sikiru was apprehended and found to have masterminded the entire plot. Further findings revealed that the suspect had already collected ₦50,000 from his family as part of the ransom before his arrest.
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Subsequent operations led to the arrest of Ayomide, who allegedly provided shelter for Sikiru during the execution of the fraudulent scheme. Authorities also indicated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals suspected to be involved in the criminal conspiracy.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Felix Ohagwu, condemned the act, warning that staged kidnappings not only inflict emotional and financial distress on victims’ families but also divert critical security resources. He emphasized that such offences carry severe legal consequences.
The police confirmed that both suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
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