Security Guard Arrested for Staging Own Kidnapping, Demanding N50m Ransom

A 35-year-old security guard, Akpooh Edet, has been arrested for orchestrating his own kidnapping and attempting to extort a ransom of N50 million from his employer at Rubber Estate in Ose River, Ovia South West Local Government Area, Edo State. Edet was apprehended by the Ondo Amotekun Corps in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area, Ondo State, with assistance from the Edo Command of the Department of State Security (DSS).

Edet was among 22 suspects paraded at the Ondo Amotekun Corps headquarters. The Amotekun commander, Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, revealed that Edet was found at the residence of Libon James, who might not have been aware of the staged kidnapping.

Senior Security Manager Oluwole Adesonlu confirmed that Edet had been employed by the firm for about ten years. Initially, Edet and his gang demanded N50 million, later reducing the amount to N35 million before eventually settling on N15 million. Following the discovery of Edet’s disappearance, the company began a search and contacted the DSS. Further investigation led to the involvement of Amotekun, who tracked Edet to his hiding location. Two accomplices were arrested in Edo State, and it was uncovered that Edet had staged the kidnapping in a bid to extort money from the company. The suspects are now set to be handed over to the DSS for further investigation.