Ondo Police Arrest 29-Year-Old Man for Allegedly Faking Own Kidnap to Defraud Family

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Bello Azeez, for allegedly faking his own abduction in a bid to extort money from his family and friends.

Police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, said Azeez, a native of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area, claimed on 11 August that he was travelling to Ibadan. Shortly after, he began making distress calls to his parents and acquaintances, alleging he had been kidnapped and demanding ₦500,000 for his release.

Investigations revealed that Azeez had initially asked his father for the same amount to settle a personal debt. When the request was denied, he allegedly devised the fake kidnap plan to raise funds.

His relatives, believing the abduction story, rallied support and even launched a GoFundMe campaign, successfully raising ₦500,000. The suspect then instructed that the money be transferred directly into his personal account — a request that raised suspicions within the family.

According to the police, the matter was reported after it appeared unusual for ransom payments to go directly into the victim’s account. Detectives later traced the phone number used for the calls and discovered that Azeez had remained in Owo throughout the period of his supposed captivity. He was subsequently arrested and has confessed to the crime.

Mr. Ayanlade said Azeez will be charged in court once investigations are concluded.

“This case underscores the dangers of greed and the lure of quick wealth, which often push individuals into acts capable of ruining their future,” the police spokesperson said, while urging parents and guardians to guide their children away from crime.

He assured residents that under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal, the command remains committed to tackling all forms of criminality and ensuring public safety in Ondo State.