The Ondo State Police Command has uncovered a case of self-k1dnapping involving a 42-year-old woman, Mrs. Sanmori Taiwo, and her 62-year-old husband, Pastor Sanmori Olubumi Joshua, both residents of Road 5, Power Line, Ondo City.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, the incident occurred on August 23, 2025, when Mrs. Taiwo deliberately locked herself in a separate room in their home while her husband allegedly contacted relatives, claiming she had been abdvcted by gvnmen. The suspects allegedly demanded a rans0m of ₦10 million for her release.
One of the relatives, Mr. Fasegha O. Joseph, reportedly became suspicious of the claim and petitioned the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal. Following the report, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS), supported by officers from Enu-Owa Division, swung into action and stormed the couple’s residence in Ondo town.
Mrs. Taiwo was found at the house, where she falsely claimed she had just been released by her “abdvctors” after a ransom of ₦5 million was allegedly paid. However, during interrogation at the command headquarters, she confessed that the abdvction was staged in a scheme to ext0rt money from relatives abroad. She admitted the plan was aimed at settling debts and meeting personal needs.
The police confirmed that both Mrs. Taiwo and her husband are currently in custody and under investigation, with legal action expected to follow.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Lawal, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling all forms of cr1me, whether real or staged. He credited the success of the operation to the community policing strategy championed by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, emphasizing intelligence-led operations and community collaboration.
The Command also commended the role of local forest hunters and residents whose information has continued to aid security operations in the state, while urging the public to remain vigilant and supportive of security initiatives.
