Ondo Police Arrest Pastor, Wife for Self-Kidnapping and Demand of N10M Ransom
The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a case of self-kidnapping involving Mrs. Sanmori Taiwo, a 42-year-old woman, and her husband, Pastor Sanmori Olubumi Joshua, aged 62, both residents of Road 5, Power Line, Ondo City.
According to a press release obtained from the Ondo State Police Command Spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, by Lagosspy NG correspondent, the report stated that on the 23rd of August, 2025, between the hours of 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm, Mrs. Taiwo deliberately isolated herself in a separate room in their residence and conspired with her husband to stage her own abduction. The husband subsequently placed calls to relatives using her mobile phone number, falsely claiming that she had been kidnapped by unknown gunmen who were demanding the sum of Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000) as ransom.
Following the suspicious kidnapping reports, one of the relatives, Mr. Fasegha O. Joseph, through a written petition, reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, PSC+, MNIPS, who directed the Command Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) to activate swift action on the report. An investigation team from the Command Anti-Kidnapping Squad, supported by Enu-owa division in Ondo City, proceeded to their residence in Ondo town, where Mrs. Taiwo was found.
Mrs. Taiwo falsely claimed to have just been released by kidnappers after a ransom of Five Million Naira was allegedly paid.
Upon further interrogation at the Command, Mrs. Taiwo confessed that the abduction was staged as a self-kidnapping scheme, masterminded to extort money from her relatives abroad under the pretense of securing her release. She further admitted that her motive was to settle debts and provide for her personal needs. Both she and her husband are currently under investigation, and appropriate legal action will follow.
This case once again demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal, PSC+, MNIPS, to diligently unravel all forms of criminality, whether real or staged, in order to preserve peace, protect lives, and safeguard the integrity of communities within the State.
The successes recorded so far underscore the strategic vision and people-centred policing style of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM. His emphasis on community engagement, intelligence-led operations, and synergy with relevant stakeholders has provided the framework upon which the Ondo State Command continues to build its crime-fighting strategies.
The Command specially commends the IGP for his guidance and support, which have been pivotal to these achievements.
In line with the IGP’s policing vision, the Command has deepened collaboration with sister security agencies, community leaders, non-state actors, and other stakeholders. Of particular note are the contributions of local forest hunters, who have complemented police operations with valuable intelligence and field support. Their bravery and sacrifice remain commendable assets in the fight against insecurity within our communities.
“The Command also appreciates the good people of Ondo State who continue to volunteer credible information that has guided police operations and led to the dismantling of criminal networks. Residents are assured that all information shared will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”
The Commissioner of Police reiterates the commitment of the Ondo State Police Command to sustaining the tempo of security operations until the State is completely rid of criminal elements.
He therefore calls on all residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and supportive of security initiatives for the collective peace and prosperity of Ondo State.