- Lagos Couple in Police Net for Alleged Self-Kidnap, ₦10m Extortion
- A police source disclosed on Thursday that the suspects contacted relatives from both sides of the family, claiming they had been kidnapped
- Further investigations confirmed that the reported kidnapping was self-orchestrated, after which the suspects were taken into police custody
A Lagos-based couple, identified as Fred and Goodness, have been arrested by the police for allegedly staging their own kidnapping and extorting ₦10 million in ransom from their families and friends.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the couple reportedly faked the abduction on January 7 in a bid to raise funds for the husband, who planned to return to the United States after facing financial difficulties.
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A police source disclosed on Thursday that the suspects contacted relatives from both sides of the family, claiming they had been kidnapped and demanding ransom for their release.
According to the source, family members and friends raised ₦10 million within three days, believing the money was needed to secure the couple’s freedom.
“The couple deliberately staged their kidnapping and appealed to friends and family for ransom contributions. According to their account, the husband wanted to travel back to the US but lacked financial support, so they jointly planned the fake abduction to raise money,” the source said.
Another police source revealed that the suspects arranged for the ransom to be delivered at a school in the Cappa area of Mushin, Lagos.
“Operatives monitoring the area noticed the woman entering the premises alone, while the man arrived separately shortly afterwards. Suspicion was raised when both later emerged together carrying a bag,” the source explained.
The operatives reportedly stopped and searched the couple, discovering the ransom money in the bag, which led to their immediate arrest. During interrogation, the wife allegedly admitted that she encouraged her husband to carry out the plan.
Further investigations confirmed that the reported kidnapping was self-orchestrated, after which the suspects were taken into police custody.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the incident, stating that the couple would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
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