Man stages own kidnapping to escape gambling debts

The Ogun State Amotekun Corps has apprehended a 41-year-old man, Enitan Awoyemi, for allegedly staging his own kidnapping to evade significant financial obligations. Awoyemi, a resident of Irolu-Remo, reportedly devised the elaborate ruse after accumulating substantial debts from gambling.

The arrest followed a report made by his wife, Tope Awoyemi, who informed the Amotekun Corps that her husband had contacted her claiming he had been abducted.

According to her, the supposed kidnappers demanded a ransom of 5 million naira for his release. The incident set off an intensive investigation by the Corps’ intelligence team, headed by Brigadier General (rtd) Alade Adedigba.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Adedigba detailed the circumstances leading to the arrest.

“The investigation revealed that Enitan Awoyemi had accrued debts of approximately N1 million due to his frequent participation in a lotto game. While he had previously experienced success, winning 6 million naira that allowed him to purchase a Toyota Corolla Sport and a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, his recent gambling outcomes were less fortunate,” the statement read.

Facing mounting pressure from unpaid debts, Awoyemi allegedly staged the kidnapping as a desperate strategy to buy time and avoid repayment. The Corps Commander noted that Awoyemi’s case underscores the potential consequences of gambling-related financial distress.

The operation to trace and apprehend Awoyemi was a collaborative effort involving the Vigilantes Group of Nigeria (VGN) and community stakeholders.

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Amotekun operatives tracked him to Ijagba town and subsequently to Ota in the Ado-Odo-Ota local government area. On November 13, 2024, Amotekun officers successfully intercepted Awoyemi at the Irolu okada park during a routine patrol.

His arrest raised additional concerns when officers detected a strong smell of insecticide on him, suggesting he may have attempted suicide. Awoyemi was promptly transported to Rufina Private Hospital in Iperu, where he received medical attention.

Brig. Gen. Adedigba emphasized that the Amotekun Corps remains dedicated to thorough investigative practices and community safety. He stated, “Once Enitan Awoyemi is medically stable, he will be handed over to the Police in Ilisan for further investigation and legal proceedings.”

The case has sparked conversations among community members and analysts about the psychological and social impact of gambling, as well as the lengths individuals may go to when faced with insurmountable debt.

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Local advocacy groups have called for increased awareness and counseling services to address gambling addiction and its potential ramifications.

As the investigation progresses, Awoyemi’s story serves as a cautionary tale highlighting the extreme measures some may take to escape financial and personal crises.