Police Arrest Man and Others Over Fake kidnap in Ondo

 

The agrarian communities around Ogbese in Ondo State were thrown into shock after the police uncovered a staged kidnap attempt masterminded by a young man seeking to extort money from his own family.

What began as a supposed desperate search for a missing relative soon unfolded into a dramatic revelation of deceit and betrayal.

According to the Ondo State Police Command, 28-year-old Mathew Ekele had pretended to have been kidnapped, hoping his family would raise ransom money to secure his release.

Unknown to him, a routine security sweep by police officers and local security groups would expose the plot before it succeeded.

The joint security team—comprising operatives from Ogbese Division, members of the OPC, hunters, and vigilantes—were on a bush-combing operation around the Kashimola/Agunla Forest area when they stopped a motorcycle carrying two brothers, John Peter and James Peters 

A search of their bags revealed ₦800,000 cash, cigarettes, and a bottle of Aromatic Schnapps.

Their explanation—that the money was meant as ransom for their kidnapped sibling—immediately raised eyebrows.

Rather than rush into the forest blindly, the operatives deployed an intelligence-driven strategy. They played along with the brothers’ narrative and set up a controlled environment for the “kidnappers” to pick up the money.

The plan worked. A suspect arrived to collect the ransom and was promptly arrested.

But the biggest shock came moments later, when investigators unravelled the truth that the supposed victim, Mathew Ekele, had faked his own abduction and was subsequently apprehended.

He was found hiding in a bush along Ogbese Road, waiting to take delivery of the ransom meant for his release. His motorcycle was also recovered at the scene.

The incident has sparked conversations among residents about the growing trend of stage-managed kidnap schemes and the emotional and financial trauma they inflict on families.

The Ondo State Police Command appealed to the public to stay alert and report suspicious activities, stressing that timely information can prevent avoidable heartbreak and financial loss.

While the Police command urge residents to always reach out via her official communication channels whenever there is any incident in their areas or communities..

The arrested suspects remain in the police custody as investigations continue...