By Emiola Osifeso
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 62-year-old cleric, Pastor Sanmori Olubumi Joshua, and his 42-year-old wife, Mrs. Sanmori Taiwo, for allegedly staging her abduction in a bid to extort ₦10 million from her relatives abroad.
Police spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Akure. According to him, the incident occurred on August 23, between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., at the couple’s residence on Road 5, PowerLine, Ondo City.
He explained that Taiwo deliberately secluded herself in a separate room after conspiring with her husband to fake the kidnap. Her husband subsequently contacted her relatives using her phone, claiming she had been abducted by unknown gunmen who demanded a ₦10 million ransom for her release.
“Suspicious of the claims, one of the relatives, Mr. Fasegha O. Joseph, through a written petition, reported the matter to the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, who directed the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) to act immediately,” the statement said.
The anti-kidnapping squad, supported by operatives of Enu-owa Division in Ondo City, later stormed the couple’s home, where Mrs. Taiwo was discovered. She initially claimed she had just been freed by kidnappers after a ransom of ₦5 million was allegedly paid.
However, during interrogation at the Command headquarters, she confessed that the abduction was staged to extort her relatives abroad under the guise of securing her release. Taiwo further admitted that her motive was to settle debts and cater for her personal needs.
Ayanlade confirmed that both suspects are currently under investigation and would face legal action.
He added: “The case highlights the unwavering commitment of the Ondo State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Adebowale Lawal. We will 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.”
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