Suspected kidnapper arrested while withdrawing N1m ransom in Ondo

Police operatives in Ondo State have arrested a suspected kidnapper, Godspower Cletus, who was apprehended while attempting to withdraw a N1 million ransom allegedly extorted from the husband of his victim.

According to findings, Cletus reportedly invaded the home of Mrs Farimoyo Endurance in the Odudu community of Akure, where he was said to have robbed her at gunpoint, taking her Android phone and ATM card.

During the attack, the suspect allegedly forced the victim to place a call to her husband, demanding a ransom of N5 million under threats to her life.

A police source revealed that the victim’s husband subsequently transferred N1 million into her Opay account out of fear for her safety.

“Once the suspect confirmed the alert, he fled the scene, believing he had completed the operation without obstruction,” the source added.

However, detectives from the state Anti-Kidnapping Squad tracked him through intelligence-led investigation and closed in on him at a POS kiosk, where he was attempting to withdraw the funds.

Confirming the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation.Suspected kidnapper arrested while withdrawing N1m ransom in Ondo

He said investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect is linked to other kidnapping or robbery operations within the state.

Olayinka commended the swift efforts of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, noting that the arrest reflects the command’s improved operational efficiency and commitment to proactive crime-fighting.