The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered what authorities described as a carefully planned fake kidnapping carried out for financial gain, leading to the arrest of the alleged mastermind and one suspected accomplice.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the incident began on July 5, 2026, when Mrs. Iyabo, a resident of Oda Road in Akure, reported that her 33-year-old son, Olawale Sikiru, had been kidnapped while travelling to Igbara-Oke for work.
Following the report, the suspects allegedly contacted the family and demanded ₦1 million as ransom for his release.
The report immediately triggered a coordinated investigation by the Command's Anti-Kidnapping Unit, which deployed intelligence resources and forensic analysis to trace the telephone number used in demanding the ransom.
The investigation reportedly yielded a breakthrough within two days.
On July 7, 2026, detectives arrested Olawale Sikiru, who, according to police findings, had allegedly masterminded the entire kidnapping plot himself.
Police said investigations revealed that Sikiru intentionally disappeared and staged his own abduction to deceive his relatives into paying ransom.
Authorities disclosed that the suspect successfully obtained ₦50,000 from his family before the fraudulent scheme was uncovered.
Further investigation led detectives to the residence of Agbelusi Ayomide, aged 23, who was arrested for allegedly harbouring Sikiru while the fake kidnapping was being executed.
Police believe other individuals may have participated in planning and facilitating the crime, and efforts are ongoing to arrest additional suspects connected with the case.
The Command confirmed that all suspects would be charged in court after investigations are concluded.
The incident occurred in Akure, Ondo State, with the alleged kidnapping reported on July 5, 2026, and the arrests made on July 7, 2026.
The case highlights the growing use of intelligence-led policing in tackling both genuine kidnapping cases and criminal attempts to exploit families through deception.
Security experts say fake kidnapping incidents not only inflict emotional trauma and financial losses on innocent families but also divert valuable police resources away from genuine emergencies.
The successful investigation demonstrates the importance of digital forensics, coordinated intelligence gathering, and prompt police response in combating emerging criminal tactics.
"The Command warns members of the public against engaging in or aiding staged kidnappings or any form of criminal conspiracy. Such acts divert critical security resources, inflict emotional and financial hardship on families, and attract severe legal consequences."
— CP Felix Ohagwu, Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command
The Ondo State Police Command praised the professionalism of its Anti-Kidnapping Unit for exposing the alleged deception through intelligence-driven investigations.
The Command also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property by strengthening intelligence-led policing and encouraging residents to continue providing credible information that can assist security agencies.
Police noted that investigations remain ongoing to identify and apprehend any additional members of the alleged criminal syndicate.