The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five individuals over a fake kidnapping involving a 15-year-old schoolboy.
The suspects were apprehended on December 17 and 18, 2025, following a viral video showing the boy pleading for mercy in what was presented as a kidnappers’ den.
According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the incident was initially reported as a missing person case at Ago Palace Division on November 26, 2025.
“Subsequent investigation established that the alleged kidnapping was deliberately orchestrated by the victim himself, Victor Aligwo, in collaboration with four friends, using the room of one of the suspects, Umeh Victor, to carry out the act,” she said.
The suspects, identified as Kosiko Patrick (17), Victor Aligwo (15), David Odudu (19), Anyabike Kingsley (20), and Umeh Victor (19), were arrested in Volkswagen Roundabout and Ago Palace areas of the state.
Investigators said the staged kidnapping was aimed at extorting money from Aligwo’s mother, who had recently received ₦4 million from a contribution.
SP Adebisi added that the suspects recorded and circulated a distress video showing Victor pleading for help to create fear and compel the payment of ransom. A total of ₦1.7 million was transferred to one of the suspects’ accounts and later shared among them. She confirmed that the police traced the Point-of-Sale terminal used for the transaction, leading to the arrests.
Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of inquiries.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned criminals to desist from crime, assuring residents that the command would continue to protect lives and property.