By MUFTAU OGUNYEMI

The Police Command in Ondo State says it has arrested a 33-year-old, Olawale Sikiru, a self kidnap suspect and one of his accomplices in Akure, the state capital.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Akure by the command’s Spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh.

Jimoh, who warned against staging kidnapping for financial gains, said the suspect was arrested after he was reported by his mother on July 5.

He said the complainant reported that her 33-year-old son had allegedly been kidnapped by unknown persons while travelling to Igbara-Oke for work.

“The command immediately commenced a coordinated investigation, deploying intelligence assets and conducting forensic analysis of the telephone number used by the suspects to demand a ransom of N1 million from the victim’s family.

“The painstaking investigation yielded positive results on July 7, when detectives arrested Olawale Sikiru, who was discovered to have orchestrated his own kidnap.

“Investigation revealed that he deliberately staged the abduction and succeeded in collecting N50,000 as part of the ransom paid by his family for his purported release.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of one Agbelusi Ayomide, 23 years, who allegedly conspired with the suspect and harboured him in his residence while the fraudulent kidnapping plot was being executed.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate believed to have participated in the criminal act, while the arrested suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation,” he said.

Jimoh, therefore, warned members of the public against engaging in or aiding staged kidnappings or any form of criminal conspiracy.

According to the spokesperson, self-kidnap acts divert critical security resources, inflict emotional and financial hardship on families, and attract severe legal consequences.

“The command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to combating all forms of criminality through intelligence-led policing.

“It also urges residents to continue providing timely and credible information that will assist security agencies in safeguarding lives and property across Ondo State,” he said. (NAN)