The Ondo State Police Command has arrested 29-year-old Bello Azeez for allegedly faking his own kidnapping to extort N500,000 from his family and acquaintances.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, the suspect staged the scheme after his father refused to lend him money to repay a debt.
“When his request was turned down, he staged his abduction,” Ayanlade revealed in a statement on Saturday.
Advertisement
“On August 11, he claimed he was travelling to Ibadan, then started making distress calls to his parents and friends, alleging he had been kidnapped.”
The suspect reportedly instructed that the ransom, collected through family contributions and a GoFundMe account, be transferred directly into his personal bank account.
The family initially complied, but suspicion arose when they questioned why a kidnapping victim would demand payment into his own account.
The family alerted the police, prompting an investigation.
Investigators tracked Azeez’s phone and discovered that he had remained in Owo throughout the alleged abduction. He was subsequently arrested and confessed to the crime.
“This case underscores the dangers of greed and deceit, which can ruin lives,” Ayanlade said on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
“Parents and guardians are urged to guide their children against crime, peer influence, and moral decadence.”
Ayanlade further called on the public to reject all forms of deception and support law enforcement to maintain peace, security, and societal progress.
Azeez will face charges in court upon completion of investigations.
