The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old man, Bello Azeez, for allegedly faking his own abduction in a bid to extort money from his parents and friends.
Azeez, a native of Ipele in Owo Local Government Area, had earlier asked his father for ₦500,000 to settle a debt. When his request was declined, he reportedly hatched a plan to stage his kidnapping.
On August 11, 2025, the suspect told his family he was travelling to Ibadan. Shortly after, he began making distress calls to his parents and friends, claiming he had been abducted. Out of fear for his safety, relatives quickly rallied and raised ₦500,000 through contributions and even launched a GoFundMe appeal.
However, suspicion arose when Azeez instructed that the ransom be paid directly into his personal bank account. His family promptly alerted the police, who tracked his mobile phone and discovered that he had not left Owo as claimed.
The suspect was arrested and, during interrogation, confessed to orchestrating the fake abduction. Police authorities said he will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Describing the act as one driven by greed and deceit, the Ondo State Police Command warned youths against engaging in criminal activities in pursuit of quick wealth. The command also urged parents to properly guide their children and shield them from negative peer influence.
