In a swift intelligence-led operation, detectives from the Lagos State Police Command have unraveled a shocking crime: a kidnapping that never happened. The Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad has arrested five young men for orchestrating a fake abduction to extort millions of Naira from the victim’s own family.
The elaborate scheme began last month when 15-year-old Victor Aligwo was reported missing. Concern turned to nationwide alarm when a distressing video surfaced online, showing Aligwo bound and pleading for mercy from apparent kidnappers. However, preliminary investigations revealed a different story.
Police established that the kidnapping was entirely staged by Aligwo himself, in collaboration with four friends aged 17 to 20. The group used the room of one suspect, Umeh Victor, to film the viral plea, aiming to panic Aligwo’s mother, who had recently received a significant sum of money from a contribution.
The ploy worked. Believing her son was in grave danger, the mother paid a ransom of One Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira. The money was quickly transferred and shared among the suspects. This transaction became their undoing. Police traced the payment to a specific Point-of-Sale terminal, leading to the arrest of all five individuals between December 17th and 18th in the Ago Palace and Volkswagen areas.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has issued a stern warning to criminal elements, reiterating the command’s commitment to safety. The police also moved to reassure the public, confirming this was an isolated hoax and not an actual kidnapping incident.
All suspects are now in custody and will be charged to court. Investigation is ongoing. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police emergency lines.
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BREAKING: Lagos Police Expose Elaborate Kidnapping Hoax, Arrest Five Suspects
