The Ogun State Security Network, widely recognized as the Amotekun Corps, has thwarted a fraudulent self-kidnapping scheme allegedly orchestrated by 41-year-old Enitan Awoyemi, a resident of Irolu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area.
The suspect reportedly staged his own abduction in a bid to escape a debt of about N1 million linked to his gambling habits.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (retd.), the Commander of the Amotekun Corps in Ogun State, Awoyemi’s wife, Mrs. Tope Awoyemi, reported to the Amotekun Irolu outpost on November 10, claiming that her husband had called her, saying he had been abducted the previous day.
He allegedly informed her that kidnappers were demanding a ransom of N5 million for his release.
Upon receiving the report, the Amotekun Intelligence team immediately launched an investigation into the supposed kidnapping.
As the inquiry progressed, it was discovered that Awoyemi had been heavily indebted due to his gambling in a lotto game, with debts totaling around N1 million.
The statement further revealed that Awoyemi, a frequent gambler, had previously experienced a windfall, winning N6 million.
He had used part of these winnings to acquire a Toyota Corolla Sport car and a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, which he operated for commercial purposes. However, with mounting debts and an inability to repay them, Awoyemi allegedly resorted to faking his own kidnapping as a desperate escape tactic.
Amotekun officers, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and other local security stakeholders, tracked Awoyemi to Ijagba town and later to Ota in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
His whereabouts were finally pinpointed, and he was apprehended on Wednesday morning at the Irolu Okada Park during routine patrol operations.
During the arrest, officers noted a strong odor of insecticide emanating from Awoyemi, raising concerns about a possible suicide attempt.
He was quickly transported to Rufina Private Hospital in Iperu for immediate medical attention.
Adedigba reassured the public that Awoyemi would face the full legal consequences of his actions.
“Once he is discharged from the hospital, he will be handed over to the police for further proceedings,” the Amotekun Commander confirmed.
Adedigba commended the coordinated efforts that led to Awoyemi’s capture and urged members of the community to remain alert and report any suspicious activities.
“This incident underscores the importance of community cooperation in ensuring safety and security,” he emphasized.
