Lagos Police Command Apprehends Five Suspects for Self-Kidnapping and Extortion

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five individuals involved in a staged kidnapping incident that initially sparked widespread concern. The suspects were detained on December 17 and 18, 2025, following the circulation of a viral video showing a schoolboy pleading for mercy in what appeared to be a kidnappers’ den.

According to a statement released on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the incident was reported as a missing person case at the Ago Palace Division on November 26, 2025. However, after further investigation, it was revealed that the supposed kidnapping was a carefully orchestrated hoax. The victim, 15-year-old Victor Aligwo, had teamed up with four friends to stage the fake kidnapping in the room of one of the suspects, Umeh Victor.

The five suspects involved in the scam were identified as Kosiko Patrick (17), Victor Aligwo (15), David Odudu (19), Anyabike Kingsley (20), and Umeh Victor (19). They were arrested in separate locations at the Volkswagen Roundabout and Ago Palace areas of Lagos.

Investigators disclosed that the group staged the kidnapping in a bid to extort money from Aligwo’s mother, who had recently received a ₦4 million contribution. To make the scam seem authentic, the suspects recorded a distress video of Aligwo pleading for help, spreading it online to incite fear and pressure the family into paying a ransom.

The ruse worked, and Aligwo’s mother paid a ₦1.7 million ransom, which was transferred to one of the suspects’ accounts. The money was later divided among the perpetrators. Following the payment, police traced the transaction to a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal, leading to the arrest of all involved.

SP Adebisi confirmed that investigations are still ongoing, and the suspects will face charges in court once the inquiry is complete.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, condemned the crime and warned would-be offenders to desist from illegal activities. He reassured the public that the police remain committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.

The police further clarified that the incident was a hoax and encouraged residents to remain calm, continue with their daily activities, and report any suspicious behavior to the authorities.