The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Bello Azeez, for allegedly staging his own kidnapping in a bid to extort N500,000 from his parents and acquaintances.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Akure, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said Azeez, a native of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area, resorted to the scheme after his father declined a request for financial assistance to repay a debt.
According to the police, Azeez pretended to be traveling to Ibadan on August 11, 2025, and subsequently began placing distress calls to his family and friends, claiming he had been kidnapped. Concerned relatives and associates launched a fundraising effort, including a GoFundMe campaign, successfully raising N500,000 for his “release.”
Suspicion arose, however, when Azeez instructed that the ransom be transferred directly into his personal bank account — an unusual request for a kidnapping case. Alarmed, his family contacted the police, who traced the phone number used in the calls and discovered that Azeez had remained in Owo throughout the ordeal.
He was arrested and has since confessed to orchestrating the fake abduction. Police say he will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation.
“This case highlights the consequences of deceit, greed, and the pursuit of quick wealth,” DSP Ayanlade said, urging parents to educate their children about the dangers of criminal behavior and societal pressure.
The command also called on the public to reject fraudulent practices and continue cooperating with law enforcement to ensure peace and security.
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