Ondo man arrested for faking own kidnap to extort family, friends

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Bello Azeez, for allegedly staging his own abduction in a desperate bid to collect money from relatives and friends.

Police spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, confirmed the arrest on Saturday, revealing that Azeez, a native of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area, masterminded the fake kidnap after his father declined his request for ₦500,000 to pay off a debt.

Investigators say Azeez pretended to be a victim of abduction and reached out to his family members, demanding ransom for his own release. His plan, however, backfired when police operatives uncovered the scheme and apprehended him.

“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.

Investigators said the suspect told his family to transfer the ransom raised through contributions and a GoFundMe campaigndirectly into his personal bank account, a demand they initially met.

Doubts arose when relatives questioned why a kidnap victim would request payment into his own account, prompting them to alert law enforcement.

Detectives tracked Azeez’s phone and discovered he never left Owo during the supposed abduction. He was arrested and confessed to the act.

“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.

The police confirmed that Azeez will face charges once investigations are complete. Ayanlade also urged Nigerians to “reject all forms of deception and continue supporting the police to promote peace, security, and societal progress.”