The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Bello Azeez, for allegedly pretending to be kidnapped in order to obtain N500,000 from his family and acquaintances.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, explained that Azeez, who hails from Ipele in Owo Local Government Area, devised the plan after his father declined to give him the money he needed to offset 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.
Investigations revealed that Azeez had directed his family to pay the ransom money—sourced through contributions and a GoFundMe account—straight into his personal bank account.
Relatives grew suspicious over the unusual demand and notified the police. Officers later tracked his phone and discovered that he never left Owo during the supposed abduction. He was subsequently arrested and admitted 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 command also appealed to the public to shun acts of deception and continue to work with security agencies to promote peace and security in the state.
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