Couple Fake Kidnap To Extort N10m From Relatives Abroad

Couple Fake Kidnap To Extort N10m From Relatives Abroad

The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a 42-year-old woman, Mrs. Sanmori Taiwo, and her 62-year-old husband, Pastor Sanmori Joshua, over allegations of orchestrating a fake abduction to extort ₦10 million from family members living overseas.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the incident occurred on August 23 at the couple’s residence on Road 5, PowerLine, Ondo City.

Ayanlade explained that Mrs. Taiwo had deliberately isolated herself in a room while her husband contacted relatives, claiming she had been abducted by unknown gunmen.

“One of the relatives, Mr. Fasegha O. Joseph, grew suspicious and submitted a written petition to the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, who promptly assigned the case to the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS),” Ayanlade said.

Acting on the directive, officers from SAKS, supported by personnel from the Enu-owa Division, raided the residence and found Mrs. Taiwo unharmed. She initially claimed she had just been released by her captors following a ₦5 million ransom payment.

However, during interrogation, she confessed to staging the abduction in a bid to extort money from her relatives abroad. She admitted the scheme was intended to help her settle debts and meet personal financial needs.

“Mrs. Taiwo confessed that the kidnapping was self-orchestrated, with the aim of deceiving her relatives into sending money for her release,” Ayanlade confirmed.

The police stated that both suspects remain in custody and will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.

“We are committed to exposing all forms of criminal activity—whether genuine or fabricated—to ensure public safety and uphold the integrity of our communities,” Ayanlade added.