…..As Police nab Armed robber in Ikare Akoko.
PRESS RELEASE
ONDO POLICE UNCOVER CASE OF SELF-KIDNAPPING IN ONDO CITY
The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a case of self-kidnapping involving one Mrs. Sanmori Taiwo, a 42-year-old woman, and her husband, Pastor Sanmori Olubumi Joshua, aged 62 years, both residents of Road 5, Power Line, Ondo City.
On the 23rd of August, 2025, between the hours of 4:00pm and 5:00pm, 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.
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 psc+, mnips who directed the command Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS).
Acting swiftly 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. She 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.
E-Signed
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA OLUSHOLA
Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO)
Ondo State Police Command
For:- Commissioner of Police, Ondo State.
Date: 27th August, 2025
PRESS RELEASE
POLICE ARREST ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECT IN IKARE-AKOKO
The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the public of the arrest of one Zaccheous Tosin ‘M’, aged 23 years, of Idimago Street, Ikare-Akoko, for an armed robbery incident that occurred on the 25th of August, 2025.
At about 08:00hrs on the said date, one Ogunbodude Serah ‘F’, residing behind Winners’ Chapel, Ikare-Akoko, was attacked by the suspect who pretended to have come to her backyard to pluck bitter leaves but suddenly turned against her. He forcefully robbed her of her bag and attempted to escape. The victim raised an alarm, which promptly attracted the attention of a nearby police detective.
Responding swiftly, detectives from Ikare Divisional headquarters who were close to the scene, pursued and arrested the fleeing suspect. Upon search, a locally made barrel gun was recovered from his possession, confirming that the suspect was armed at the time of the attack.
The suspect and the case file have since been transferred to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Office, Akure, for discreet investigation and diligent prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, PSC+, MNIPS, commended the swift response of the operatives, which led to the prompt arrest of the suspect. He further assured residents of the state of the command unrelenting commitment to proactive policing and the safety of lives and property across the State.
The successes being recorded by the Ondo State Police Command are in line with the policing vision of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, whose people-centred and intelligence-driven policing strategies that emphasizes community partnership, rapid response, and inter-agency cooperation.
The Command also appreciates the support of the good people of Ondo State who have continued to provide useful information to aid police operations. The Commissioner of Police urges members of the public to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and supportive of security efforts to rid the State of crime and criminality.
E-Signed
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA OLUSHOLA
Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO)
Ondo State Police Command
For:- Commissioner of Police, Ondo State.
