The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man who allegedly staged his own kidnapping in order to extort ransom money from his family, describing the case as part of a worrying rise in fraudulent and staged criminal activities across the state. Police spokesperson Olayinka Ayanlade announced the development in a statement on Tuesday, December 2, saying the arrest reflects the commands renewed commitment to tackling fraudulent and staged criminal activities across the state. According to him, operatives of the Ogbese Division, working alongside the Oodua Peoples Congress, hunters and vigilantes, intercepted two suspects during a routine patrol at the Kashimola/Agunla Forest. The men were found with N800,000, a roll of Benson cigarettes and a bottle of Aromatic Schnapps items Ayanlade said immediately raised suspicion. During interrogation, the suspects told officers the cash was ransom money meant to secure the release of their younger brother, identified as Mathew Ekele, who they claimed had been kidnapped. Acting on the information, Ayanlade said officers set up a sting operation, explaining: During this operation, the team intercepted a motorcycle conveying John Peter, 30 years, and James Peter, both of Igbodudu Camp via Daada Ala. Police said one individual then arrived at the designated location to collect the ransom and was promptly arrested. But investigators soon discovered a twist. Ayanlade said: Further investigation revealed a surprising twist: the supposed kidnap victim had orchestrated the entire scheme. He added that officers later traced and arrested Mathew Ekele in a nearby bush along Ogbese Road, where he had positioned himself to collect the ransom after pretending to have been abducted. His motorcycle was also recovered as evidence, the statement added. The police spokesperson praised the success of the operation, crediting it to intelligence-led policing strengthened by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun. Ayanlade said the IGPs support continues to strengthen police operations nationwide. The command urged residents to be vigilant and alert law enforcement to any suspicious activity. According to Ayanlade, timely information is crucial in preventing criminals from deceiving families through staged kidnappings. Reiterating its commitment to public safety, the police assured residents that all forms of criminality will be tackled decisively across the state.
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