THE Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man who faked his own kidnapping in a bid to extort money from his family.

The case underscores the Command’s proactive measures in curbing emerging criminal schemes.

A combined team from Ogbese Division, collaborating with non-state security groups including the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), hunters, and vigilantes, intercepted two suspects transporting ₦800,000, cigarettes, and alcohol during a bush-combing operation at Kashimola/Agunla Forest.

On questioning, the suspects admitted that the money was intended as ransom for their younger brother, Mathew Ekele, who they claimed had been abducted. Police swiftly set up an operation to apprehend anyone attempting to collect the ransom.

Subsequent investigation revealed that Ekele had staged his own abduction. He was later arrested along Ogbese Road while trying to retrieve the ransom, and his motorcycle was seized as evidence.

The police hailed the success of the operation to careful intelligence gathering, strategic planning, and the backing of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, whose guidance has strengthened policing across the country.

The Command has urged the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities promptly, stressing that timely information can prevent families from falling victim to fraudulent kidnapping schemes.

Ondo State Police reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that all forms of criminality will continue to be decisively tackled across the state.