The Ogun State Security Network, popularly known as the Amotekun Corps, has successfully foiled a self-kidnap scheme allegedly staged by a 41-year-old resident, Enitan Awoyemi, in a desperate attempt to avoid repaying a significant gambling-related debt of around N1 million. The plot, which was initially reported as a kidnapping, unraveled following an investigation by the Amotekun Corps and local security partners.
According to a statement released by the Amotekun Commander, Brigadier General Alade Adedigba (retd.), the suspect, a resident of Irolu-Remo in the Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, faked his own abduction to escape his financial obligations. The incident came to light after Awoyemi’s wife, Mrs. Tope Awoyemi, reported to the Amotekun Irolu outpost on November 10 that her husband had called her, claiming he had been kidnapped the previous day by unknown individuals demanding a ransom of N5 million for his release.
Upon receiving the distressing report, the Amotekun Intelligence team quickly swung into action and launched a full investigation into the alleged kidnapping. According to the findings, it was soon revealed that Enitan Awoyemi had been battling significant debts from a gambling addiction, particularly involving a lottery game. Awoyemi had accrued a staggering N1 million in gambling-related debt, which he seemed unable to repay.
The investigation further uncovered that Awoyemi had once been fortunate enough to win a large sum of N6 million through his gambling activities. However, rather than using the winnings to stabilize his finances, Awoyemi spent part of it on luxuries such as a Toyota Corolla Sport car and a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, both of which he intended to use for commercial purposes. Despite his winnings, Awoyemi’s reckless spending habits and ongoing gambling losses left him in deep financial trouble, leading him to resort to extreme measures to avoid paying his debts.
With his financial woes mounting, Awoyemi allegedly decided to stage his own kidnapping as a way to escape the pressure from his creditors. The fabricated abduction was intended to buy him more time and possibly garner sympathy while avoiding the looming repayment of his debts.
Amotekun officers, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) and other local security stakeholders, quickly got to work tracking Awoyemi’s movements. Their investigation led them to Ijagba town and then to Ota, located in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area. After a thorough search, Awoyemi was apprehended early on Wednesday at the Irolu Okada Park during routine patrol operations.
During his arrest, officers observed a strong smell of insecticide emanating from Awoyemi, raising concerns that he may have been attempting suicide as part of his staged abduction. In light of this, he was immediately rushed to Rufina Private Hospital in Iperu for medical care, where he was treated for possible poisoning.
Brigadier General Alade Adedigba assured the public that once Awoyemi has been discharged from the hospital, he would be handed over to the police for further legal proceedings. “Once he is discharged from the hospital, he will be handed over to the police for further investigation and processing,” Adedigba stated.
The Amotekun Commander also took the opportunity to commend the collaborative efforts between the Amotekun Corps, the Vigilante Group of Nigeria, and other local security agencies for their swift response and successful capture of the suspect. He emphasized that the quick resolution of the case demonstrated the power of community cooperation in ensuring the safety and security of the public.
“This incident underscores the importance of community cooperation in ensuring safety and security,” Brigadier General Adedigba said. He further urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, stressing that the fight against crime requires the collective efforts of all members of the community.
The foiling of this self-kidnap plot highlights the growing efforts by security agencies in Ogun State to combat crime and ensure the safety of citizens. It also sheds light on the dangers of gambling addiction and the lengths some individuals might go to in order to avoid facing the consequences of their actions.
Enitan Awoyemi’s arrest is expected to serve as a cautionary tale about the risks of excessive gambling and the destructive consequences it can have on one’s life. His case will now go through the appropriate legal channels, and he will face the full force of the law for his actions.
As the investigation continues, authorities are encouraging members of the public to be mindful of the growing trend of self-staged crimes and fraudulent activities, particularly in light of the economic challenges many people are currently facing. The Amotekun Corps and other security agencies remain committed to maintaining peace and order in Ogun State through proactive measures and community engagement.
