Crime
Police Bust N4m Fake Kidnap Scam in Edo, Arrest Two Suspects
Police in Edo State have arrested two suspects over an alleged fake kidnapping scheme used to demand N4 million ransom from relatives
Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested two men, Lucky Alabi and Taiye Enahoro, over an alleged staged kidnapping plot aimed at extorting ₦4 million from family members in Uneme Akpama Community, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, on 26 June 2026.
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According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the suspects were apprehended following intelligence-led investigations conducted by officers of the Igarra Police Division, which uncovered what authorities described as a carefully coordinated deception.
Investigators said the alleged plot was executed on 23 June 2026, when one of the suspects, Enahoro, reportedly contacted relatives of Alabi, falsely claiming that Alabi had been abducted and demanding a ransom for his release.
“Acting on credible intelligence and through diligent investigative efforts, police operatives uncovered the deception and successfully arrested both suspects,” Ikoedem said.
Police authorities alleged that both men were involved in staging the incident, with preliminary findings indicating that the supposed kidnapping was fabricated to pressure relatives into paying the ransom demand.
The suspects have reportedly confessed to their roles in the scheme and are expected to be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, condemned the act, warning residents against engaging in criminal deception, including the staging of kidnappings for financial gain.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, reaffirming the command’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals involved in criminal conduct are brought to justice.
The police said the case reflects a growing concern over emerging forms of kidnapping-related fraud, where individuals exploit fear and insecurity to extort money from unsuspecting families.
Also read: FG Intensifies Nigeria Evacuation Over Rising Xenophobia Fears in South Africa
Authorities continue to intensify efforts to curb both genuine kidnapping incidents and related scams across communities in Edo State.
Police dismiss officers Anthony Obodo case has been confirmed as the Rivers State Police Command dismissed three of its officers linked to the killing of a 22-year-old University of Port Harcourt graduate, Anthony Obodo.
The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, while parading the three officers before journalists in Port Harcourt.
According to the command, the officers were linked to the incident that occurred last Thursday along Ada George in Port Harcourt, where Obodo was shot dead.
A member of the team, an inspector who fled after the shooting, has been declared a deserter.
CP Adepoju stated that the three arrested officers were subjected to an orderly room trial. Following the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of their culpability, they have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and will be charged to court.
“I am here to provide updates on some serious incidents recently recorded in the state, including the investigation into the death of one Anthony A. Obodo… Following the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of the culpability of the officers involved… the officers being paraded today have been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and will be charged to court,” Adepoju said.
The commissioner noted that he understood the concerns of Obodo’s family and members of the public, adding that the Command has taken appropriate disciplinary action against the police personnel involved.
Obodo, a graduate of the University of Port Harcourt who was reportedly awaiting his NYSC call-up letter, was shot during a police pursuit.
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