Police arrest two for staging a kidnapping to extort family members

Edo State Police Command has detained two men accused of planning a fake kidnapping to extort N4 million from relatives of one of the suspects.

The suspects, Lucky Alabi, 48, and Taiye Enahoro, 37, both residents of Uneme Akpama Community, were seized by Igarra Division officers after intelligence‑driven investigations.

In a statement released on Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer ASP Eno Ikioedem confirmed that detectives uncovered the alleged scheme after acting on credible intelligence.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the alleged plot was carried out on 23 June 2026, when one suspect reportedly contacted Alabi’s relatives and demanded ransom for his supposed release.

"The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on 26th June, 2026, at about 1030hrs, operatives of Igarra Division arrested two suspects, Lucky Alabi ‘M’, 48 years, and Taiye Enahoro ‘M’, 37 years, both of Uneme Akpama Community, for conspiring to stage the fake kidnapping of Lucky Alabi," the statement read.

"Acting on credible intelligence and through diligent investigative efforts, police operatives uncovered the deception and successfully arrested both suspects as preliminary investigation reveals that the criminal plan was executed on 23rd June, 2026, when Taiye Enahoro allegedly placed several telephone calls to relatives of Lucky Alabi, falsely claiming that Alabi had been kidnapped and demanding the sum of N4,000,000 as ransom for his release."

The police said both suspects allegedly confessed to their roles and will be charged in court after investigations conclude.

"The suspects have confessed to their respective roles in the staged kidnapping and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation," the statement added.

Commissioner of Police Monday Agbonika cautioned residents against criminal deception, especially staged kidnappings aimed at extorting money from unsuspecting relatives.

"The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, warns members of the public against engaging in any form of criminal deception, including staging kidnappings to extort money from unsuspecting relatives."

"The command reiterates its commitment to ensuring all persons involved in criminal acts are brought to justice," the statement quoted the CP as saying.

The command urged residents to stay vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities.