A Lagos-based couple, identified simply as Fred and Goodness, have been arrested for allegedly staging their own kidnapping and extorting ₦10 million in ransom from their families and friends.
The couple reportedly faked the abduction on January 7, claiming they had been kidnapped and demanding ransom payments. According to police sources, the scheme was devised to raise funds for Fred, who intended to return to the United States after allegedly failing to secure financial support from sponsors.
Relatives on both sides of the family were contacted, and within three days, the families reportedly raised the ₦10m, believing it was needed to secure the couple’s release.
A police source disclosed that the suspects arranged for the ransom to be delivered at a school in Cappa, Mushin area of Lagos. Operatives monitoring the area became suspicious after noticing the woman enter the premises alone, while the man arrived separately shortly afterward. Both later emerged together carrying a bag.
“The operatives stopped them, searched the bag, and discovered the ransom money,” the source said, adding that the wife allegedly encouraged the plan.
The couple were immediately arrested and handed over to the police, where investigations confirmed that the alleged kidnapping was self-orchestrated.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Addebisi, said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.