The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a staged kidnapping plot, arresting the purported victim and one accomplice in Akure. The suspect, Olawale Sikiru, 33, allegedly orchestrated his own abduction to extort money from his family.
Police Investigation Reveals Fraudulent Kidnapping
According to a police statement, on July 5, Mrs. Iyabo of Oda Road, Akure, reported that her son, Olawale Sikiru of St. Luke Street, had been kidnapped while traveling to Igbara-Oke for work by unknown persons. The command immediately launched a coordinated investigation, deploying intelligence assets and conducting forensic analysis of the telephone number used by suspects to demand a ransom of N1,000,000 from the victim's family.
Breakthrough and Arrests
The painstaking investigation yielded results on July 7, 2026, when detectives arrested Olawale Sikiru, who was discovered to have staged his own kidnapping. Police investigations revealed that he deliberately faked the abduction and successfully collected N50,000 as part of the ransom paid by his family for his purported release. Further investigation led to the arrest of Agbelusi Ayomide, 23, who allegedly conspired with Sikiru and harbored him in his residence while the fraudulent plot was executed.
Ongoing Efforts and Legal Action
The command stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate believed to have participated in the criminal act. The arrested suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation.
