The police in Ondo State have arrested a suspected armed robber and kidnapper, identified as Godspower Cletus, while attempting to withdraw ransom payment from a PoS operator in Akure.
Spokesperson of the Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the suspect was nabbed while trying to withdraw money from the victim’s account through PoS terminal.
According to Ayanlade, Cletus invaded the house of the victim, Mrs. Farimoyo Endurance, in Odudu community, Akure, in Akure North Local Government Area.
The suspect was said to have held the victim at gunpoint, dispossessing her of some valuables, including her phone, and other items.
Reports for alleged that the suspect forced Endurance to call her husband, demanding for the sum of N5million as ransom before he could release the woman.
The husband, however, reportedly transferred the sum of N1million into his wife’s account, and the suspect had seized the ATM before fleeing the victim’s residence.
The police spokesman said luck ran against the suspect when detectives from the command, who had been trailing the suspect, tracked him to a PoS agent while trying to withdraw the ransom cash.
He was subsequently arrested and, upon interrogation, confessed to the crime.
Police investigations are ongoing to determine whether he acted alone or is linked to other similar incidents in the State.
The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the swift response of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, noting that the arrest reflects the Command’s improved operational capacity and proactive crime-fighting strategy.
The Command urged residents to remain vigilant during the festive season and to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The police said: “The Command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all residents, particularly during the festive season and beyond.
“Residents are urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report any suspicious activities to ensure collective protection and peace.”