Police operatives in Ondo State have arrested a suspected kidnapper, identified as Godspower Cletus, after he allegedly attempted to withdraw a N1 million ransom at a Point of Sale (POS) kiosk in Akure. The incident has drawn public attention as another example of rising insecurity in parts of the state, especially attacks linked to kidnapping and armed robbery.
According to police findings, the suspect reportedly stormed the home of Mrs. Farimoyo Endurance in the Odudu community of Akure. He was said to have threatened her with a gun, robbed her of her Android phone, and seized her ATM card. The victim, who was said to be alone at home during the attack, was then allegedly forced by the suspect to call her husband.
Police sources said Cletus demanded N5 million from the woman’s husband, threatening to harm his wife if the money was not paid. Out of fear and desperation, the husband transferred N1 million into her Opay account, hoping the payment would secure her safety.
A police officer familiar with the investigation said the suspect immediately fled after receiving the alert.
“Once the suspect confirmed the payment, he left the scene, believing he had completed the operation without obstruction,” the officer said.
The Ondo State Police Command said its Anti-Kidnapping Squad used intelligence-led tracking to follow the money trail. Investigators traced attempts to withdraw the ransom and moved quickly to intercept the suspect.
He was arrested at a POS stand where he was allegedly trying to withdraw the N1 million. Police say his movements had already been monitored before officers closed in on him.
The arrest highlights how POS operators, widely used in Nigeria for cash withdrawals, have increasingly become a focus for criminals attempting to access stolen or extorted funds. Police authorities say they are paying more attention to such financial movements while investigating robbery and kidnapping cases.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Ondo State, Mr. Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued to journalists. He said the suspect confessed to the crime during interrogation and is now in custody, assisting the police with further investigations.
According to Olayinka, detectives are working to determine whether Cletus is part of a larger kidnapping group or if he has been involved in similar crimes in the past.
“The investigation is ongoing. We are looking into possible links between the suspect and other kidnapping or robbery incidents in the state,” the PPRO said.
He added that the state command remains committed to strengthening crime prevention strategies, especially with the rising concern over kidnappings in the state and across the country.
Ondo State, like many parts of Nigeria, has recently witnessed an increase in reported cases of kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes. Communities near Akure, the state capital, have raised concerns about rising insecurity, especially on rural roads and isolated neighborhoods.
The state government has repeatedly emphasized its support for security agencies and the Amotekun Corps, the regional security network established by South-West governors to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. Despite these efforts, incidents such as the one involving Mrs. Endurance continue to cause fear among residents.
PPRO Olayinka praised the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for its swift action, describing the arrest as an example of improved policing methods in the state. He said the command is adopting more proactive strategies to prevent crimes before they occur, rather than relying only on emergency responses.
“This arrest shows our renewed commitment to intelligence-driven policing and quick response to criminal activities,” he stated.
Residents of the Odudu community have also expressed relief over the arrest, noting that the incident had created panic in the area. Community members said they hope the suspect’s arrest will help reduce criminal activities and restore confidence in local security.
The police say the suspect will be charged to court once investigations are completed. Meanwhile, officers are also reviewing reports from other robbery victims in the area to determine whether there are connections to the same suspect or his possible accomplices.
The arrest has renewed calls for stronger neighborhood vigilance and more support for security agencies in tackling crimes involving weapons and financial extortion.