The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old woman, Mrs. Sanmori Taiwo, and her 62-year-old husband, Pastor Sanmori Joshua, for allegedly staging her abduction in a desperate bid to extort N10 million from relatives living abroad.
Police spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, disclosed the shocking case in a statement released on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
According to him, the drama unfolded on August 23, at the couple’s residence on Road 5, PowerLine, Ondo City.
Taiwo reportedly locked herself inside a room while her husband contacted her relatives, claiming that she had been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
Her husband allegedly demanded ransom to secure her release.
Suspicion, however, arose among family members. One of them, Mr. Fasegha O. Joseph, filed a petition with the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal.
Acting swiftly, Lawal directed the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS) to investigate the matter.
Operatives, supported by the Enu-owa Police Division, stormed the couple’s residence, where the supposedly abducted woman was found hiding.
Upon discovery, she pretended to have just been released by kidnappers after a ransom of N5 million was allegedly paid.
However, during interrogation, the truth unraveled.
Taiwo confessed that the abduction was staged as part of a scheme to extort money from her relatives abroad.
She admitted that her plan was to raise funds to settle debts and meet personal financial needs.
Her husband, Pastor Joshua, was also implicated in the plan.
Both are now in police custody and will face charges after investigations are completed.
Ayanlade emphasized that the police remain committed to tackling all forms of criminality, whether real or fabricated.
“We will diligently unravel all forms of crime, whether real or staged, to preserve peace, protect lives, and safeguard the integrity of our communities,” he stated.
The bizarre case has sparked public outrage, with many condemning the abuse of trust, especially by a religious leader and his wife.