Edo man fakes own kidnap, demands N4m from family

Authorities in Edo State, Nigeria, have apprehended two individuals accused of orchestrating a fake kidnapping plot to extort a substantial ransom from a family. The suspects, identified as Lucky Alabi, 48, and Taiye Enahoro, 37, both from the Uneme Akpama Community, were arrested by operatives from the Igarra Division following an intelligence-led investigation.

“

The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on 26th June, 2026, at about 1030hrs, operatives of Igarra Division arrested two suspects, Lucky Alabi ‘M’, 48 years, and Taiye Enahoro ‘M’, 37 years, both of Uneme Akpama Community, for conspiring to stage the fake kidnapping of Lucky Alabi.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, the police uncovered the alleged scheme after diligent investigative efforts. Preliminary findings indicate that the plan was executed on June 23, when Taiye Enahoro allegedly made multiple phone calls to relatives of Lucky Alabi. During these calls, Enahoro falsely claimed that Alabi had been kidnapped and demanded a ransom of N4 million for his release.

“

Acting on credible intelligence and through diligent investigative efforts, police operatives uncovered the deception and successfully arrested both suspects as preliminary investigation reveals that the criminal plan was executed on 23rd June, 2026, when Taiye Enahoro allegedly placed several telephone calls to relatives of Lucky Alabi, falsely claiming that Alabi had been kidnapped and demanding the sum of N4,000,000 as ransom for his release.

Both suspects have reportedly confessed to their roles in the staged kidnapping. The Edo State Police Command confirmed that they will be charged to court once investigations are concluded. The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Monday Agbonika, issued a stern warning to the public against engaging in any form of criminal deception, particularly staging kidnappings to extort money from unsuspecting relatives.

“

The suspects have confessed to their respective roles in the staged kidnapping and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.

The command reiterated its commitment to bringing all individuals involved in criminal activities to justice. Residents were also urged to remain security-conscious and to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by promptly reporting any suspicious activities.

“

The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, warns members of the public against engaging in any form of criminal deception, including staging kidnappings to extort money from unsuspecting relatives.