The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a husband and wife for allegedly staging their own abduction and extorting N10m from their families and associates.
The suspects, identified simply as Fred and Goodness, were said to have concocted the fake kidnapping to raise funds for the husband’s planned return to the United States after expected financial support from sponsors failed to come through.
Police sources said the couple reported themselves abducted on January 7 and subsequently contacted relatives and close friends, demanding ransom for their release.
Believing the claims, family members reportedly raised the sum of N10m within three days and agreed to pay for their freedom.
A source familiar with the investigation said the alleged abduction was carefully planned by the couple after they became frustrated over the lack of funds for international travel.
Investigations further revealed that the suspects agreed to collect the ransom at a school located in the Cappa area of Mushin.
However, operatives monitoring the area became suspicious when the woman entered the premises alone, while the man arrived separately moments later.
Police sources said both suspects later emerged together from the location carrying a bag, prompting officers to stop and search them. The ransom money was reportedly recovered from the bag, leading to their arrest.
During interrogation, the woman was said to have admitted her involvement in the scheme, while further investigations confirmed that no kidnapping incident had taken place.
Confirming the arrest, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.