The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered and foiled a staged kidnapping allegedly masterminded by a 28-year-old man, who pretended to have been abducted in a bid to extort money from his family.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, said the incident came to light during a routine security operation carried out by a combined team of officers from the Ogbese Division alongside members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), hunters, vigilantes and other non-state security actors.

According to the Command, the team was on a bush-combing patrol at Kashimola/Agunla Forest along a farm road when they intercepted two men — John Peter, 30, and James Peter — both of Igbodudu Camp via Daada Ala. A search of their belongings led to the recovery of ₦800,000, a packet roll of Benson cigarettes, and a bottle of Aromatic Schnapps, items which immediately raised suspicion.

Upon interrogation, the duo revealed that the cash was meant to be ransom payment for the release of their younger brother, one Mathew Ekele, who they claimed had been kidnapped. Acting on the information, the operatives set up a controlled operation to apprehend the alleged kidnappers. One suspect who appeared to collect the ransom was promptly arrested.

However, further investigation uncovered a dramatic twist: the supposed victim, Mathew Ekele, had staged his own abduction. He was later found hiding in a bush along Ogbese Road, waiting to pick up the ransom. Police also recovered the motorcycle he had used to execute the plot.

The Police Command described the incident as another example of emerging criminal tactics aimed at defrauding unsuspecting relatives. It urged the public to remain vigilant and report all suspicious activities, including real or suspected cases of kidnapping, to the Police for swift intervention.

DSP Ayanlade reaffirmed that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across Ondo State and will continue to clamp down on individuals involved in criminal acts, whether staged or real.