By Deborah Nnamdi
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a pastor, Joshua Sanmori, 62, and his wife, Taiwo Sanmori, 42, for allegedly staging a fake kidnapping in an attempt to extort money from their relatives.
This was disclosed by the command’s spokesperson, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, during a press briefing in Akure. He stated that the incident took place on August 23, 2025, at Road 5, Power Line, Ondo City.
According to Ayanlade, the couple conspired to simulate Taiwo’s abduction, with Pastor Sanmori claiming that unknown gunmen had kidnapped his wife and were demanding a ransom of N10 million for her release.
“Suspicious of the report, a relative, Mr. Fasegha O. Joseph, petitioned the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal. Acting on the petition, the CP directed the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad to launch an investigation,” Ayanlade said.
He explained that the squad, with support from officers of the Enu-Owa Division, raided the couple’s residence in Ondo town and discovered Mrs. Sanmori safe at home.
“Initially, she claimed she had just been released after a N5 million ransom was paid by her family. However, during interrogation, she confessed that the kidnapping was fabricated in a bid to extort money from relatives living abroad,” the police spokesperson added.
Taiwo reportedly told investigators that the plan was aimed at settling outstanding debts and addressing personal financial challenges. Both suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court soon.
In a separate operation, the command arrested 23-year-old Tosin Zaccheous in connection with an armed robbery incident that occurred on August 25 in Ikare-Akoko, headquarters of Akoko North East Local Government Area.
Zaccheous allegedly attacked and robbed one Serah Ogunbodede of her bag behind the Winners’ Chapel church in the area.
“The victim raised an alarm, drawing the attention of a nearby police detective. Officers from the Ikare Division quickly pursued and apprehended the fleeing suspect. A locally made barrel gun was recovered from him,” Ayanlade said.
He confirmed that the suspect and case file have been transferred to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) office in Akure for further investigation and possible prosecution.
