A Lagos based couple, identified as Fred and Goodness, have been arrested by the police for allegedly staging their own kidnap and collecting N10 million as ransom from their families and friends.
The incident was said to have occurred on January 7, when the couple allegedly contacted relatives on both sides of their families and claimed they had been abducted by unknown persons.
The message, according to police sources, was accompanied by repeated demands for ransom, with threats that the couple would not be released unless the money was paid.
It was gathered that the families, believing the abduction to be genuine, mobilised funds and raised the sum of N10 million within three days in an effort to secure their safety.
A police source familiar with the investigation said preliminary findings revealed that the abduction was deliberately orchestrated by the couple as a means of raising money for the husband, who was planning to return to the United States but lacked financial support.
“The couple faked their kidnapping and reached out to friends and family members for contributions towards ransom payment.
According to them, the husband wanted to travel back to the US and needed money, but their sponsors were not forthcoming. They then planned the self-kidnap together in order to raise funds,” the source said.
Another source disclosed that the suspects had arranged for the ransom to be delivered at a school located in the Cappa area of Mushin, Lagos. However, operatives who were monitoring the area became suspicious after observing unusual movements at the location.
“The woman was first seen entering the premises alone. Moments later, the man arrived separately. Both later emerged together carrying a bag, which raised suspicion. The operatives stopped them, searched the bag and discovered the ransom money, leading to their immediate arrest,” the source said.
During interrogation, the woman reportedly admitted to encouraging her husband to go along with the plan.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the police, where further investigations confirmed that the incident was a case of self-kidnap.
Confirming the arrest, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Addebisi, said the couple would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
“The suspects are currently in custody. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” she said.
