The Ogun State Security Network, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has thwarted a self-kidnap scheme allegedly staged by a 41-year-old resident, Enitan Awoyemi, in an attempt to evade a debt of around N1 million.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the state’s Amotekun Commander, Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (retd.), Awoyemi, a resident of Irolu-Remo in Ikenne Local Government Area, allegedly faked his abduction to avoid paying a substantial gambling-related debt.
The plot surfaced after Awoyemi’s wife, Mrs Tope Awoyemi, reported to the Amotekun Irolu outpost on 10 November that her husband had called, claiming he had been kidnapped the previous day by unknown individuals who were demanding a ransom of N5 million for his release.
“Upon receiving the report, the Amotekun Intelligence team launched an investigation into the alleged abduction. Findings revealed that Enitan Awoyemi had accrued significant debts from gambling in a lotto game, amounting to a staggering N1 million,” the statement read.
The statement added that Awoyemi, a frequent gambler, had previously won N6 million, using part of his winnings to purchase a Toyota Corolla Sport car and a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle for commercial purposes.
However, faced with the inability to repay his debt, he allegedly resorted to faking his own kidnapping.
Amotekun officers, working closely with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and other local stakeholders, tracked the suspect to Ijagba town and later to Ota in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
He was eventually apprehended early on Wednesday at the Irolu Okada Park during routine patrol operations.
Officers noticed a strong smell of insecticide on Awoyemi, suggesting a possible suicide attempt. He was immediately rushed to Rufina Private Hospital in Iperu for medical care.
Brigadier General Adedigba assured the public that Awoyemi would face due legal processes.
“Once he is discharged from the hospital, he will be handed over to the police for further proceedings,” he stated.
The Amotekun Commander praised the collaborative efforts that led to the suspect’s capture and urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
“This incident underscores the importance of community cooperation in ensuring safety and security,” Adedigba said.
(PUNCH)