Lagos Police Reveal Fake Kidnap Scheme by Scrap Dealer

The Lagos State Police Command has revealed that a scrap‑iron dealer and his accomplices staged a kidnapping to fraudulently obtain N1.5 million from his employer.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Mr Fatai Tijani made the announcement on Tuesday at the command’s headquarters in Ikeja, addressing journalists.

According to the CP, the incident was first reported by a man named Abubakar on May 19 at about 10 p.m. Abubakar said his brother, a scrap dealer, had gone missing.

During the investigation, a video appeared that showed the alleged victim being struck with planks by unknown assailants who threatened to kill him unless a ransom of N1.5 million was paid by his employer.

Initially, the police treated the case as a genuine kidnapping and intensified efforts to locate the victim and identify the perpetrators.

However, investigators grew suspicious after a close examination of the video and the surrounding circumstances. They noted inconsistencies, including the absence of visible signs of physical assault or torture when the victim returned home.

“Upon careful analysis of the video and subsequent investigation, detectives discovered several inconsistencies,” Tijani said. “The suspect was subjected to further interrogation and eventually confessed that the kidnapping was staged.”

The alleged victim admitted to conspiring with others who remain at large to fake the abduction. He also confessed to diverting N490,000 that had been given to him for business purposes. The money was recovered during the investigation.

Investigators visited the workshop where the fake kidnapping video was recorded to collect additional evidence against the suspects.

Police are continuing to pursue the suspects who have fled. (NAN)

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