Edo Police Arrest Two Over Alleged Self-Kidnap Plot, Fake ₦4 Million Ransom Demand

The Edo State Police Command has arrested two men for allegedly conspiring to stage the fake kidnapping of one of them in a bid to extort ₦4 million from unsuspecting family members.

The Command disclosed that Lucky Alabi 48, and Taiye Enahoro 37, both of Uneme Akpama Community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, were arrested by operatives of the Igarra Division on June 26 2026, following an intelligence-led investigation.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the alleged plot was executed on June 23, when Enahoro reportedly made several telephone calls to Alabi's relatives, falsely claiming that Alabi had been kidnapped.

Police said the callers demanded a ransom of ₦4 million for Alabi's purported release.

The Command stated that operatives acted on credible intelligence and painstaking investigative efforts, which exposed the alleged deception and led to the arrest of both suspects.

According to the police, the two men have confessed to their respective roles in the alleged staged kidnapping during preliminary investigations.

The suspects are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, warned members of the public against engaging in criminal deception, including staging kidnappings to fraudulently obtain money from relatives or other members of the public.

He reaffirmed the Command's commitment to ensuring that individuals involved in criminal activities are identified, investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, noting that timely information remains critical to combating crime across the state.