The Edo State Police Command has arrested two men for allegedly staging a fake kidnapping in a desperate attempt to extort ₦4 million from the family of one of the suspects.
The suspects, identified as Lucky Alabi, 48, and Taiye Enahoro, 37, both natives of Uneme Akpama Community in Edo State, were apprehended following an intelligence-led investigation by operatives of the Igarra Police Division.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikioedem, the incident began on June 23, 2026, when Enahoro allegedly contacted members of Alabi’s family, claiming that Alabi had been kidnapped by unknown gunmen.
The caller reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦4 million, warning the family to pay promptly to secure the victim’s release.
Suspicious of the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction, police operatives launched an investigation, which uncovered inconsistencies in the kidnapping claim. Further inquiries revealed that the entire incident had allegedly been orchestrated by the two suspects as part of a plan to deceive Alabi’s relatives into paying the ransom.
The suspects were arrested on June 26, 2026, and are currently in police custody as investigations continue.
The Edo State Police Command condemned the alleged act, describing it as a criminal offence that wastes security resources, creates unnecessary panic, and undermines efforts to combat genuine kidnapping cases.
The command also warned members of the public against engaging in false kidnapping schemes or any attempt to obtain money through deception, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Police authorities assured residents that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
