Man Stages Own Kidnap To Escape Debt
The Ogun State Security Network Agency, commonly known as the Amotekun Corps, has arrested a 41-year-old man, Enitan Awoyemi, who allegedly faked his own abduction in an attempt to avoid repaying a debt of about N1 million.
It was gathered that the suspect a resident of Irolu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
In a statement by the state Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (retd.), disclosed that Awoyemi was arrested on Wednesday after the agency’s investigation uncovered the fraudulent scheme.
Meanwhile, on November 10, Awoyemi’s wife, Mrs. Tope Awoyemi, alerted the Amotekun outpost in Irolu.
She reported that her husband had called her, claiming he had been kidnapped by unknown assailants demanding a ransom of N5 million for his release.
“Upon receiving the report, the Amotekun Intelligence team commenced an investigation into the matter, and findings from the investigation revealed that Enitan Awoyemi had accumulated substantial debts related to gambling in a lotto game, amounting to a staggering N1 million,” the statement read.
“Awoyemi, who is a regular player of the game, had previously won N6 million from the same game, using portions of his winnings to purchase a Toyota Corolla Sport car and a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle for commercial purposes.
According to the Commander, “The suspect faced with the inability to repay his debts, it is alleged that he resorted to fabricating a kidnapping scenario.”
Adedigba explained that through the collaborative efforts with the Vigilantes Group of Nigeria and other community stakeholders, the suspect was traced to Ijagba town and later Ota in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
“He was ultimately arrested at the Irolu Okada Park in the early hours of Wednesday during routine patrol operations by the Amotekun officers.
“Upon apprehension, operatives noted a strong smell of insecticide from him, raising concerns about an attempted suicide,” he said.
He said Awoyemi had been transported to the Rufina Private Hospital in Iperu for medical attention.
“Amotekun was committed to taking necessary action, and once Awoyemi is discharged from the hospital, he would be handed over to the police for further proceedings,” he said.
However, he reaffirmed the security outfit’s dedication to maintaining law and order, exposing deceitful activities, and protecting Ogun State residents.
“We, therefore, commend the collaborative efforts of the VGN, other community stakeholders, and our operatives in foiling this plot, and urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. This incident highlights the importance of community cooperation in ensuring safety and security,” Adedigba added.
