By OLA MODUPE, Akure –
Ondo State Police Command has exposed a self-kidnapping scheme orchestrated by 42-year-old Mrs. Sanmori Taiwo, who conspired with her 62-year-old husband, Pastor Sanmori Olubumi Joshua, to extort money from her relatives overseas.
Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, revealed this in a statement on Wednesday in Akure.
DSP Ayanlade said that the incident occurred on August 23 between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the couple’s residence on Road 5, PowerLine, Ondo City.
According to Ayanlade, Taiwo secluded herself in a room and, with her husband’s assistance, fabricated a kidnapping story.
Joshua then contacted Taiwo’s relatives using her phone, falsely claiming she was abducted by gunmen demanding a ₦10 million ransom.
A suspicious relative, Mr. Fasegha O. Joseph, reported the matter to Commissioner of Police CP Adebowale Lawal, prompting swift action from the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) and Enu-owa Division.
“Acting swiftly on the report, an investigation team proceeded to the Sanmori’s residence in Ondo Town, where Mrs. Taiwo was found,” Ayanlade stated.
Taiwo initially claimed she had been released after a ₦5 million ransom was paid, but under interrogation, she confessed to staging the abduction to settle debts and meet personal needs.
Ayanlade emphasized the police’s resolve, saying, “We will 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”.
Both Taiwo and her husband are currently under investigation, with legal action pending.
