The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a pastor, Sanmori Olubumi Joshua (62), and his wife, Sanmori Taiwo (42), for allegedly staging a fake kidnapping to extort ₦10 million from their relatives abroad.

Police spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 27. According to him, the incident took place on August 23 at the couple’s residence on Road 5, PowerLine, Ondo City.

Investigations revealed that Taiwo deliberately locked herself in a separate room while her husband contacted her relatives using her phone number, claiming she had been abducted by unknown gunmen. He allegedly demanded ₦10 million ransom for her release.

However, one of her relatives, Mr. Fasegha O. Joseph, grew suspicious and petitioned the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, who immediately assigned the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) to investigate.

The police traced the “kidnap” to the couple’s home, where Mrs. Taiwo was found. She initially claimed she had just been freed after a ₦5 million ransom payment, but under interrogation, she confessed to orchestrating the fake abduction with her husband.

According to her, the plan was to deceive their relatives abroad into sending money, which she intended to use to settle debts and cater to personal needs.

DSP Ayanlade said the suspects are in custody and will face legal action. He also stressed that the Command remains committed to tackling all forms of criminality—whether real or staged.

“We will diligently unravel all forms of criminality to preserve peace, protect lives, and safeguard the integrity of communities within the state,” he assured.