Man fakes own kidnapping to extort N500,000 from family in Ondo

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 29-year-old Bello Azeez for allegedly faking his kidnapping to extort money from his family and acquaintances.

DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, revealed in a statement on Saturday that Azeez, a native of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area, hatched the scheme after his father refused to lend him N500,000 to repay a debt.

“When his request was turned down, he staged his abduction. On Aug. 11, he claimed he was travelling to Ibadan, then started making distress calls to his parents and friends, alleging he had been kidnapped,” Ayanlade said.

The suspect reportedly instructed that the N500,000 ransom raised through family contributions and a GoFundMe account be transferred directly into his personal bank account, a request that was initially complied with.

Suspicion arose when his family questioned why a kidnapping victim would demand payment into his account, prompting them to alert the police.

Investigators tracked the suspect’s phone and found that he had remained in Owo throughout the alleged abduction.

Azeez was arrested and confessed to the crime. He will be charged in court upon completion of the investigations.

“This case underscores the dangers of greed and deceit, which can ruin lives. Parents and guardians are urged to guide their children against crime, peer influence, and moral decadence,” Ayanlade added.

He further called on the public to reject all forms of deception and continue supporting the police to promote peace, security, and societal progress.