Fake kidnapping has resurfaced in Edo State as police arrest a vulcanizer who staged his own abduction, extorted ₦12m from family, and caused panic.
The Edo State Police Command has uncovered a disturbing case of fake kidnapping, following the arrest of a 34-year-old vulcanizer, Idris Isiaka, who allegedly staged his own abduction in Emaudo community, Ekpoma, to fraudulently obtain ransom money from his family.
The suspect was arrested after intelligence-led investigations revealed that he deliberately conspired with accomplices to create a false narrative of being kidnapped.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday, January 10, 2026, triggered fear among his relatives and the wider community after reports of the supposed abduction circulated rapidly on social media.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, Isiaka orchestrated the fake kidnapping by contacting a blogger to publicize the incident online, thereby giving it the appearance of a genuine criminal act.
The suspect reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦12 million from his family, threatening dire consequences if the money was not paid promptly.
Investigations showed that Isiaka’s family, who reside in Kogi State, were repeatedly contacted and warned that he would be killed if they failed to comply with the ransom demand.
Overwhelmed by fear and desperation, his brother reportedly sold personal property to raise part of the requested funds, which were subsequently transferred to accounts linked to the suspects.
Police further disclosed that the ransom money collected was shared between Isiaka and his collaborators, identified as Mohammed Saliu and Godwin Mohammed.
Both accomplices are currently at large, and efforts have been intensified to track them down and bring them to justice.
The suspect reportedly confessed to staging the crime during interrogation, admitting that the entire abduction story was fabricated for financial gain.
Police authorities confirmed that he will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Edo State Police Command expressed serious concern over the increasing number of fake kidnapping cases within Ekpoma and surrounding communities.
Officials noted that such incidents not only traumatize families but also divert critical security resources away from genuine emergencies and victims of violent crime.
ASP Ikoedem recalled a similar case recorded only days earlier, where a woman identified as Obehi Odine was arrested for allegedly staging her own kidnapping and demanding ₦10 million as ransom.
The back-to-back incidents have raised alarm among security agencies, prompting renewed calls for vigilance and community cooperation.
In response to the growing trend, the police command stated that it has strengthened intelligence gathering, surveillance, and community policing strategies to swiftly identify and neutralize individuals engaging in ransom-related fraud.
Officers have also been directed to closely monitor online platforms where false abduction stories are often amplified.
The command commended the youths of Ekpoma for their timely and credible intelligence, which played a key role in exposing the latest fake kidnapping plot.
According to police officials, community involvement remains one of the most effective tools in combating crime and preventing the spread of fear.
Residents were urged to continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, verifying sensitive information before sharing it online, and resisting the urge to spread unconfirmed kidnapping reports that could cause unnecessary panic.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, issued a strong warning to individuals contemplating staged abductions or ransom scams.
He emphasized that self-kidnapping, false abduction claims, and ransom fraud constitute serious criminal offences under Nigerian law.
The police commissioner stressed that offenders will face full prosecution, adding that the command is determined to dismantle criminal networks exploiting public fear for personal gain.
He noted that fake kidnapping incidents undermine public trust in security agencies and worsen the psychological trauma already associated with genuine kidnapping cases in the country.
CP Agbonika reassured residents of Edo State of the command’s commitment to public safety, stating that law enforcement agencies will not relent in their efforts to protect lives and property.
He further urged families to promptly report suspected extortion or ransom demands to the police rather than negotiating privately with criminals.
As investigations continue, the Edo State Police Command reiterated its resolve to stamp out the rising menace of staged abductions and restore confidence in the security architecture across the state.
Ireport247news
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