The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Bello Azeez, for allegedly staging his own kidnapping to extort money from his family and acquaintances. According to the command’s spokesperson, Olushola Ayanlade, Azeez, a native of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area, hatched the scheme after his father refused to lend him N500,000 to repay a debt.
Azeez’s plan involved pretending to travel to Ibadan, after which he began making distress calls to his parents and friends, alleging that he had been kidnapped. His family and friends, believing he was in genuine danger, mobilized resources and created a GoFundMe account, through which they successfully raised the sum of N500,000. However, Azeez’s directive that the ransom be paid directly into his personal bank account raised suspicions among his family members, prompting them to alert the police.
Investigators tracked Azeez’s phone and discovered that he had remained in Owo throughout the alleged abduction. Upon his arrest, Azeez confessed to the crime. He will be charged to court upon completion of the investigation. The police command has commended the family for their vigilance and urged parents and guardians to guide their children against crime, peer influence, and moral decadence.
The command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade, emphasized the dangers of greed and deceit, which can ruin lives. He called on the public to reject all forms of deception and continue supporting the police to promote peace, security, and societal progress. This case highlights the importance of verifying information and being cautious of unusual requests, especially those involving financial transactions.
The arrest of Bello Azeez serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in fraudulent activities. The Ondo State Police Command remains committed to combating all forms of criminality and urges citizens to report suspicious activities to the authorities. With this development, the police hope to deter others from engaging in similar acts of deception.
