The Edo State Police Command has arrested two suspects for allegedly conspiring to stage a fake kidnapping in a bid to extort ₦4 million from family members in Igara, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Lucky Alabi, 48, and Taiye Enahoro, 37, both from Uneme Akpama Community, were arrested by operatives of the Igarra Police Division on June 26, 2026, following credible intelligence and a thorough investigation.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikedem, preliminary investigations revealed that the self-kidnap plot was executed on June 23, 2026, when Taiye Enahoro allegedly made several phone calls to relatives of Lucky Alabi, falsely claiming that Alabi had been abducted.
The suspect reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦4 million for Alabi’s release, hoping to deceive the family into making payment.
Police investigations, however, uncovered the scheme, leading to the arrest of both suspects. The duo have since confessed to their respective roles in the staged kidnapping.
The Command said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, warned members of the public against engaging in criminal deception, particularly staging kidnappings to defraud unsuspecting relatives.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to bringing all perpetrators of criminal acts to justice and urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities to the police to enhance public safety and security.
