The Ogun State Security Network, commonly known as the Amotekun Corps, has successfully dismantled a self-kidnap scheme orchestrated by a 41-year-old resident identified as Enitan Awoyemi.
This elaborate plan was allegedly devised by Awoyemi in a desperate bid to evade repayment of a staggering debt amounting to approximately N1 million, stemming from his gambling activities.
The unsettling details of this case were made public through a statement issued on Wednesday by the state’s Amotekun Commander, Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (retd.).
The incident unfolded in the town of Irolu-Remo, located within the Ikenne Local Government Area, where Awoyemi is known to reside.
According to reports, the suspect faked his abduction to avoid a substantial debt associated with his gambling habits. Awoyemi’s wife, Mrs Tope Awoyemi, became the catalyst for uncovering this deceit after she approached the Amotekun Irolu outpost on November 10.
During her report, she revealed that her husband had contacted her, claiming to have been kidnapped the previous day by unidentified individuals who were demanding a ransom of N5 million for his release.
Alarmed by her husband’s alleged predicament, Mrs Awoyemi immediately sought the assistance of the local security personnel. In response, the Amotekun Intelligence team sprang into action, initiating a thorough investigation into the purported kidnapping.
Their inquiries quickly revealed the underlying truth: Enitan Awoyemi had accrued substantial debts from gambling activities, particularly from a lotto game, totalling a whopping N1 million. This revelation put the alleged kidnapping in a new light, suggesting that it was a calculated manoeuvre to escape his financial obligations.
Further investigation revealed that Awoyemi, a habitual gambler, had previously enjoyed a significant win of N6 million. Boasting about his fortune, he had used a portion of his earnings to acquire a sleek Toyota Corolla Sport car and a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, both of which he intended to use for commercial purposes.
However, following a string of losses and an inability to settle his outstanding debts, Awoyemi resorted to the drastic measure of staging a fake abduction.
The diligent officers of the Amotekun Corps, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria and other local stakeholders, utilized a strategic approach to track down the suspect. Their relentless pursuit led them to Ijagba town and subsequently to Ota in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
The suspect was ultimately apprehended during routine patrol operations at the Irolu Okada Park early on Wednesday morning. Upon his capture, officers were intrigued by a strong odour of insecticide emanating from Awoyemi, which raised concerns about a potential suicide attempt.
Acting swiftly, they took immediate measures to transport him to Rufina Private Hospital in Iperu for urgent medical attention.
Responding to the gravity of the situation, Adedigba reassured the public that Awoyemi would be subjected to the appropriate legal repercussions.
“Once he is discharged from the hospital, he will be handed over to the police for further proceedings,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of accountability.
In conclusion, the Amotekun Commander commended the teamwork and cooperation that played a crucial role in the suspect’s capture and urged residents to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting any suspicious activities within their communities.
“This incident underscores the significance of community cooperation in ensuring safety and security,” Adedigba remarked, reinforcing the collective responsibility of citizens to maintain a secure environment.
