Police detectives in Ondo State have arrested Tobi Oluwatuyi, a 22-year-old truck driver, and two of his friends for allegedly staging his own kidnapping and collecting a ransom of ₦1.5 million from his unsuspecting family members.

The incident came to light after a concerned citizen reported the supposed abduction to the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the state police command. The report indicated that Tobi Oluwatuyi, a truck driver from the Ilu Abo area of Akure, had been abducted by suspected kidnappers.

The Staged Kidnapping

Upon investigating the matter, police detectives discovered that Tobi Oluwatuyi had orchestrated the entire event with the help of his two friends, Jubril Abu, 20, and Segun Oluwatuyi, 21. The trio’s plan was to extort a ransom of ₦1.5 million from Oluwatuyi’s family by making it appear as though he had been genuinely kidnapped.

The unsuspecting family, believing that Tobi had been abducted, paid the ransom. However, it was later revealed that the entire kidnapping was a fraudulent scheme. The police source confirmed that the suspects had planned the entire ordeal to defraud the family, and all three men have since confessed to their involvement in the crime.

Police Response and Investigation

The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the arrests and stated that the suspects would be charged to court once the investigation is concluded. He emphasized the effectiveness of the police’s investigative approach, which led to the swift unraveling of the crime.

Olayinka further cautioned the public against yielding to ransom demands in kidnap cases, noting that paying ransoms could inadvertently support criminal enterprises. He also advised citizens to report similar incidents promptly to the police for thorough investigation.

Rising Trend of Self-Orchestrated Kidnappings

Olayinka warned that self-orchestrated kidnappings—where individuals stage their own abductions—have become an emerging crime trend. He emphasized that these deceptive acts are serious offenses that the police are committed to uncovering through diligent investigation. He reiterated that anyone involved in such criminal activities would face the full weight of the law.

The police spokesperson assured residents that the Ondo State Police Command remains fully equipped and dedicated to ensuring the safety of citizens and apprehending criminals, without exposing families to unnecessary financial loss or danger.

Community Safety Remains a Priority

Olayinka concluded by reassuring the public that Ondo State would not become a haven for criminals and that the police would continue to work tirelessly to safeguard lives and property.