Suspected Kidnapper, Armed Robber Arrested While Attempting To Withdraw ₦1 Million Ransom From POS In Ondo State

The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a suspected armed robber and kidnapper, Godspower Cletus, while he attempted to withdraw a ransom payment from a POS operator in Akure, the state capital.

The spokesperson of the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olusola, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 said the suspect invaded the house of the victim, Mrs. Farimoyo Endurance in Odudu Community, Akure, held the woman at gunpoint, dispossessing her of some valuables, including her phone, goods. 
 
He then forced the victim to call her husband, demanding for the sum of ₦5 million as ransom before the release of the woman. 
 
The husband, however, transferred the sum of ₦1 million into his wife’s account, and the suspect seized the ATM before fleeing the victim’s residence. 
 
According to the PPRO, luck ran against the suspect when detectives from the command who had been trailing the suspect tracked him to a POS point while trying to withdraw the ransom money. 
 
“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to inform the public of the arrest of a suspected armed robber and kidnapper, whose criminal activities were recently disrupted due to swift and coordinated police action,” the statement read. 
 
"The suspect, Godspower Cletus ‘m’, unlawfully invaded the residence of Mrs. Farimoyo Endurance ‘f’ of Odudu Community, Akure, where he allegedly robbed her of her Android phone and ATM card while armed with a gun. 
 
“During the incident, he threatened the victim and compelled her to call her husband, through which he demanded a ransom of Five Million Naira (₦5,000,000.00). 
 
“Under duress, the husband transferred One Million Naira (₦1,000,000.00) to the victim’s Opay account. Upon confirming receipt of the payment, the suspect fled the scene, believing he had successfully carried out his criminal plan.
 
“However, through diligent intelligence gathering and proactive policing, detectives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad were able to track the suspect. Their efforts culminated in the arrest of Godspower Cletus ‘m’ at a POS point while attempting to withdraw the ransom money. 
 
“Upon interrogation, the suspect voluntarily confessed to the crime, and investigations are ongoing to determine if he has accomplices or links to similar criminal activities within the state.
 
“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, has commended the swift and professional response of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad. 
 
“He emphasized that their prompt action reflects the Command’s strengthened operational capability and commitment to proactive crime prevention. 
 
“The Commissioner also appreciated the strategic leadership and continuous support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, noting that the IGP’s innovative reforms and technological initiatives continue to enhance security delivery in Ondo State. 
 
“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.”