A man in Nigeria has been arrested after allegedly staging his own kidnapping in a bid to escape his gambling debts.

Enitan Awoyemi, 41, of Irolo-Remo in Ogun State, had racked up debts of approximately 1 million Nigerian naira ($595) from his participation in a lottery game. Awoyemi had reportedly enjoyed previous success in the lottery, winning enough to buy a Toyota Corolla, but had a severe downturn in his luck.

Awoyemi stated that the fictional kidnappers had demanded a 5-million-naira ($2,976) ransom

After concocting the scheme, Awoyemi contacted his wife, claiming to have been abducted. Additionally, Awoyemi stated that the fictional kidnappers had demanded a 5-million-naira ($2,976) Naira ransom. His wife then contacted the local Amotekun Corps authorities, who began an investigation.

The investigation was then joined by local communities in the area and the Vigilantes Group of Nigeria. Eventually, the Amotekun Corps tracked him to Ijagba, and eventually to Ota. 

Yesterday, the officers captured him at the Irolu okada park while on patrol. Suspecting a suicide attempt after smelling insecticide, he was quickly transferred to the Rufina Private Hospital in Iperu.

In a statement, Brigadier General Alade Adedigba, who headed the investigation, said:  “Once Enitan Awoyemi is medically stable, he will be handed over to the police in Ilisan for further investigation and legal proceedings.”