Ondo Police Arrest Pastor, Wife Over Alleged Self-Kidnap Plot

THE Ondo State Police Command has uncovered an alleged case of self-kidnapping involving a 42-year-old woman, Mrs Sanmori Taiwo, and her 62-year-old husband, Pastor Sanmori Olubumi Joshua, both residents of Road 5, Power Line, Ondo City.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, said the incident occurred on 23 August, when Mrs Taiwo allegedly locked herself in a separate room in their home while her husband contacted relatives, claiming she had been abducted by gunmen. The suspects were said to have demanded a ransom of N10 million for her release.

One of the relatives, Mr Fasegha O. Joseph, became suspicious and petitioned the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal. Acting on the report, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS), assisted by officers from the Enu-Owa Division, raided the couple’s residence in Ondo town.

Mrs Taiwo was found inside the house, where she falsely claimed she had just been freed by her “abductors” after a ransom of N5 million was allegedly paid. However, during interrogation at the command headquarters, she confessed the kidnap had been staged in a bid to extort money from relatives abroad. She admitted the plot was devised to settle debts and cover personal expenses.

Police confirmed that both Mrs Taiwo and her husband are in custody and under investigation, with prosecution expected to follow.

CP Lawal reiterated the command’s determination to combat all forms of crime, whether genuine or fabricated. He attributed the success of the operation to the Inspector-General of Police’s community policing strategy, which prioritises intelligence-led operations and collaboration with the public.

The Command further commended the support of local hunters and residents whose information continues to aid security efforts in the state, urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperative with security agencies.