The Police Command in Edo State has arrested two men for allegedly staging their own kidnapping in an attempt to extort ₦4 million from the family of one of the suspects.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday in Benin City.
The suspects were identified as Lucky Alabi (48) and Taiye Enahoro (37), both residents of Uneme Akpama Community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area.
According to the police, the incident occurred on June 23, when the suspects allegedly orchestrated a fake kidnapping scheme.
Enahoro was said to have contacted Alabi’s relatives, claiming he had been abducted and demanding a ransom for his release.
ASP Ikoedem said operatives of the Igarra Police Division arrested the suspects on June 26 following intelligence-led investigations.
She explained that swift police action exposed the alleged deception and led to the arrest of both individuals involved.
“Acting on credible intelligence and through diligent investigative efforts, police operatives uncovered the deception and successfully arrested both suspects,” she said.
The police spokesperson added that both suspects had reportedly confessed to their roles in the staged kidnapping.
She confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged in court upon completion of inquiries.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Mr Monday Agbonika, condemned the incident and warned residents against engaging in fraudulent activities such as fake kidnappings and ransom scams.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring that all offenders are brought to justice.
Agbonika also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities promptly to security agencies for swift intervention.
