The Ogun State Amotekun Corps has apprehended a 41-year-old man, Enitan Awoyemi, in Ikenne for allegedly faking his own kidnapping to avoid repaying substantial debts.
The arrest was announced by the Amotekun Corps in a statement released on November 13.
Awoyemi, a resident of Irolu-Remo, reportedly orchestrated the scheme after amassing debt related to gambling.
His wife, Mrs. Tope Awoyemi, raised the alarm on November 10 after receiving a distress call from her husband, who claimed to have been abducted the previous day.
During the call, Awoyemi informed her that his “captors” were demanding a ransom of N5 million for his release.
Following Mrs. Awoyemi’s report, Amotekun’s Intelligence team swiftly launched an investigation, uncovering that Awoyemi’s financial troubles were rooted in gambling losses totaling N1 million.
Previously, he had won N6 million from the same lotto game and invested portions of his winnings in a Toyota Corolla Sport car and a commercial Bajaj Boxer motorcycle.
When he could no longer cover his mounting debts, he allegedly devised the fake kidnapping scheme to pressure his wife into raising the ransom money.
The Amotekun Corps, in collaboration with the Vigilantes Group of Nigeria (VGN) and local stakeholders, traced Awoyemi’s movements through Ijagba town and then to Ota in Ado-Odo/Ota local government area.
He was eventually apprehended at the Irolu Okada Park early on November 13 during a routine patrol by Amotekun officers.
Upon his arrest, officers reportedly noticed a strong scent of insecticide on Awoyemi, sparking suspicions that he may have attempted suicide.
He was quickly taken to Rufina Private Hospital in Iperu, where he is currently receiving medical care.
Amotekun Corps Commander Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (rtd) commended the collective efforts of the VGN, local stakeholders, and Amotekun operatives in intercepting the plot.
He emphasized that once discharged, Awoyemi would be handed over to the Ilisan Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
“The Amotekun Corps remains committed to maintaining law and order, exposing fraudulent activities, and ensuring the safety of Ogun State residents.
“ We encourage citizens to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to appropriate authorities,” Adedigba said in the statement.
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