The Edo State Police Command has arrested two men accused of staging a fake kidnapping in an alleged attempt to collect a N4 million ransom from the family of one of the suspects.
The suspects, identified as Lucky Alabi, aged 48, and Taiye Enahoro, aged 37, both from Uneme Akpama Community, were taken into custody by officers attached to the Igarra Division after intelligence gathering and investigations exposed the alleged plan.
The command confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem. According to the police, investigations revealed that the scheme was carried out on June 23, 2026, when Taiye Enahoro allegedly contacted members of Lucky Alabi’s family by telephone and falsely claimed that Alabi had been kidnapped.
The caller reportedly demanded a ransom of N4 million, insisting that the money be paid before Alabi could regain his freedom.
Police investigations, however, uncovered the alleged deception, leading to the arrest of both suspects on June 26, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m.
According to the statement, preliminary findings showed that the kidnapping was entirely fabricated as part of a plan to extort money from unsuspecting family members.
The police further disclosed that both men admitted to their respective roles during interrogation. The command said they would be prosecuted once investigations are completed.
Commenting on the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, warned residents against engaging in any form of criminal deception, especially schemes involving fake kidnappings to obtain money from relatives or members of the public.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that anyone involved in criminal activities is brought before the law.
The police also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by promptly reporting any suspicious movement or activity within their communities.
