Staged Kidnap Uncovered as Ondo Police Arrest Man Who Faked His Own Abduction
A routine security operation in Ondo State has exposed a bizarre kidnap scheme after police discovered that a 28-year-old man allegedly faked his own abduction in a calculated attempt to extort money from his family.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed that the incident was uncovered during a joint patrol involving officers from the Ogbese Division and non-state security partners including the OPC, hunters, vigilantes, and others. The team, while combing the Kashimola/Agunla Forest along the farm road, intercepted a motorcycle transporting John Peter, 30, and his brother James Peter, both from Igbodudu Camp via Daada Ala.
A search of their belongings revealed ₦800,000 in cash, a packet roll of Benson cigarettes, and a bottle of Aromatic Schnapps—findings that prompted immediate suspicion. Upon interrogation, the brothers claimed the money was meant to be ransom demanded by kidnappers holding their younger sibling, one Mathew Ekele, 28.
Acting on this account, operatives set up a controlled lure for the supposed kidnappers. One individual who arrived to collect the ransom was arrested on the spot. However, investigators soon discovered that the supposed victim, Mathew Ekele, had in fact masterminded the entire operation.
Ekele was later found hiding in nearby bushes along Ogbese Road, waiting to receive the ransom after pretending to have been abducted. His motorcycle was also recovered, providing further confirmation of the staged crime.
The Ondo State Police Command credited the breakthrough to its intelligence-driven operations and acknowledged the support of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, whose leadership continues to strengthen policing activities across the country.
The Command urges residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of kidnapping or suspicious movements to prevent families from falling victim to similar extortion plots.
