The Ondo State Police Command has detained a 29-year-old individual, Bello Azeez, for allegedly staging his own kidnap in a calculated attempt to extort funds from his parents and friends.
Azeez, hailing from Ipele in Owo Local Government Area of the state, reportedly first asked his father for N500,000 to settle a debt.
When his request was denied, he allegedly concocted a scheme to fake his abduction.
According to police sources, on August 11, 2025, the suspect informed his family that he was traveling to Ibadan.
Soon after, he allegedly made frantic calls to his parents and friends, claiming he had been abducted. Convinced by his story, his relatives swiftly mobilized and gathered N500,000 through personal contributions and a GoFundMe campaign.
In a surprising turn, Azeez allegedly directed that the supposed ransom be deposited directly into his own bank account, a decision that sparked suspicion among his family members.
Concerned, they alerted the police, who traced his mobile phone and found that he had not left Owo during the time of the alleged kidnapping.
The suspect was subsequently apprehended, and during questioning, he reportedly admitted to masterminding the scheme.
Police authorities stated that Azeez would face court proceedings once investigations are finalized.
Describing the act as a product of greed and deceit, the Ondo State Police Command warned young people against engaging in criminal activities in pursuit of fast wealth. It further encouraged parents to diligently guide their children and protect them from negative peer influences.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
