Ondo man stages own abduction, demands N500,000 from family

The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a 29-year-old man, Bello Azeez, for allegedly faking his own kidnapping to collect money from his relatives and friends.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, disclosed on Saturday that Azeez, who hails from Ipele in Owo Local Government Area, came up with the plot after his father refused to lend him N500,000 to settle a debt.

“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.”