Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network, Amotekun, have arrested two individuals, Sule Gende and James Lisbon, for allegedly staging a self-kidnapping in Edo State and relocating to Ondo State, where they were apprehended after demanding a ransom of N50 million for Gende’s release.
State Commander of Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, disclosed that the suspects were arrested at their hideout and confessed to orchestrating the fake kidnapping. Gende, a security guard at a rubber plantation in Edo State, reportedly arranged his abduction with accomplices who “kidnapped” him from his duty post. He was then taken to the southern part of Ondo State, where Lisbon and another accomplice sheltered him.
Lisbon, a friend of one of the kidnappers, allegedly harbored Gende and an accomplice in his home for weeks, claiming to be unaware of their scheme. He admitted to feeding them, with occasional financial support from his friend, who later traveled to Benue State.
An official from the plantation, who requested anonymity, revealed that CCTV footage showed gunmen pointing a weapon at Gende during the alleged abduction. The company initially believed it to be a genuine kidnapping and contacted the Department of State Services (DSS) when the kidnappers demanded N50 million in ransom. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to N15 million.
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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.
