The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 22-year-old truck driver Tobi Oluwatuyi and two accomplices for allegedly faking his own kidnapping to extort money from his family.
The incident came to light after a citizen alerted the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad that Oluwatuyi had been abducted at Ilu Abo, Akure North Local Government Area. Police investigations revealed that Oluwatuyi conspired with Jubril Abu, 20, and Segun Oluwatuyi, 21, to demand a ransom of N1.5 million from his unsuspecting family, who subsequently transferred the money into one of the suspects’ accounts.
Further investigations confirmed the plot, and all three suspects reportedly confessed to the scheme. The Command emphasized that such deceptive acts are serious offences and vowed to prosecute the perpetrators at the conclusion of the investigation.
In a statement, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola urged the public to report kidnapping incidents promptly and avoid yielding to ransom demands, warning that such compliance encourages criminal activity. The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stating that Ondo State will not be a safe haven for criminals.
The police highlighted that diligent investigation, intelligence-led operations, and public cooperation remain key to tackling both real and orchestrated kidnapping incidents in the state.
