The Ondo State Police Command has taken into custody a 62-year-old cleric, Pastor Sanmori Olubumi Joshua, and his 42-year-old wife, Mrs. Sanmori Taiwo, for allegedly masterminding a fake kidnapping scheme in which the woman posed as a victim in order to extort N10 million from her relatives abroad.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, revealed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Akure. He explained that the incident took place on August 23, between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., at the couple’s residence along Road 5, PowerLine, Ondo City.
According to Ayanlade, Taiwo secluded herself in another room in the house after conspiring with her husband to stage her abduction. The pastor then allegedly called her relatives with her phone, claiming that unknown gunmen had taken her away and were demanding N10 million for her release.
He said suspicions arose after one of the relatives, identified as Mr. Fasegha O. Joseph, petitioned the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal. Following the complaint, the Commissioner directed the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) to take charge of the matter.
The police team, working with officers from Enu-owa Division in Ondo City, stormed the Sanmori residence where Taiwo was eventually found. She initially told officers she had just been freed by her supposed captors after they collected a ransom of N5 million.
However, during interrogation at the Command, she confessed that no kidnapping had taken place. She admitted that it was a staged incident planned with her husband to defraud her relatives abroad by pretending she was in danger.
Taiwo further disclosed that her intention was to raise money to pay off debts and also take care of her personal needs. Both she and her husband are currently under investigation and will be arraigned in court.
DSP Ayanlade noted that the case serves as a reminder of the police command’s determination to confront every form of crime, whether fabricated or real.
“The Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal, remains resolute in uncovering acts of criminality in all forms to protect lives, maintain peace, and safeguard the integrity of communities across the state,” he added.
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