Two Arrested By Ondo Amotekun For Allegedly Staging A Kidnapping In Edo, Rescues Four Travellers
Two people, Sule Gende and James Lisbon, were detained by Amotekun, the Ondo State Security Network, for reportedly planning a self-kidnapping in Edo State and moving to Ondo State. They were captured after requesting a N50 million ransom to free Gende. Chief Adetunji Adeleye, the Amotekun State Commander, revealed that the suspects were apprehended at their hiding place and admitted to planning the fictitious kidnapping.
According to reports, Gende, a security guard at an Edo State rubber plantation, conspired with comrades to “kidnap” him from his place of employment. After that, Lisbon and another accomplice took him to the southern region of Ondo State, where they provided him with sanctuary.
For weeks, Gende and an accomplice were allegedly held in the home of Lisbon, a friend of one of the kidnappers, who claimed not to be aware of their plan. With sporadic financial assistance from his friend, who subsequently visited Benue State, he acknowledged feeding them.
CCTV footage of the alleged kidnapping showed gunmen pointing a weapon at Gende, according to a plantation official who asked to remain anonymous. When the kidnappers wanted N50 million in ransom, the company initially thought it was a real kidnapping and called the Department of State Services (DSS). Following discussions, the sum was lowered to N15 million.
Further investigation by Amotekun uncovered that the kidnapping was staged by Gende to extort money from his employer. The suspects were handed over to the DSS for prosecution.
Adeleye, while commending the collaboration between security agencies, noted that the incident could have disrupted the company’s operations. He also announced the deployment of 1,200 operatives across Ondo State ahead of the festive season to patrol black spots and ensure safety for residents and travelers. Joint border patrols with Osun State will also commence to secure travelers during the holidays.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and the proactive efforts of security agencies in preventing criminal schemes.
