The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a couple for allegedly staging their own kidnapping in an attempt to extort ₦10 million as ransom.
According to police sources, the incident came to light after a report was filed that the couple had been abducted by unknown persons, who later contacted their relatives demanding a hefty ransom for their release.
Following the report, detectives immediately launched an investigation into the alleged kidnapping. However, during the course of the inquiry, investigators observed inconsistencies in the communication from the supposed abductors, which raised suspicion.
Further intelligence-led efforts led the police to trace the ransom demand to the couple themselves.
Acting on this information, officers carried out an operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspects at a location within Lagos, where they were found unharmed.
A sum of ₦10 million, believed to be the ransom money demanded in the staged kidnapping, was recovered during the arrest.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the couple allegedly orchestrated the fake abduction in order to obtain money from family members, citing financial difficulties as their motive.
Confirming the development, a police spokesperson stated that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, adding that staging criminal acts undermines public safety and diverts law enforcement resources from genuine emergencies.
The police also warned members of the public against engaging in fraudulent schemes, stressing that such actions attract severe legal consequences.
