Pastor, Wife Arrested After Allegedly Faking Kidnapping for Ransom

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a pastor, Sanmori Olubumi Joshua, and his wife, Sanmori Taiwo, for allegedly orchestrating a staged kidnapping.

According to Ayanlade Olushola, the command’s spokesperson, Taiwo confined herself in a room at their home on August 23 and, together with her husband, planned the fake abduction. Joshua reportedly contacted relatives, claiming unknown gunmen had kidnapped his wife and were demanding a N10 million ransom.

Relatives grew suspicious and alerted the police. Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal deployed the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS), assisted by officers from Enu-owa Division, who located Taiwo at their residence.

“She falsely claimed to have been released by kidnappers after a ransom of N5 million was paid,” the police statement said. “Upon further questioning, Mrs. Taiwo confessed that the abduction was staged to extort money from relatives abroad, intending to settle debts and meet personal needs.”

Both Taiwo and her husband are now under investigation, with legal action expected to follow. The police praised the community for its cooperation and reiterated their commitment to combating all forms of crime, staged or real, to ensure public safety in the state.