This was revealed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Edo State Command, ASP Eno Ikioedem.
According to the statement, operatives of the Igarra Division arrested the suspects, identified as Lucky Alabi, 48, and Taiye Enahoro, 37, both from Uneme Akpama Community, on June 26, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m., following intelligence that exposed the alleged self-kidnap plot.
Police investigations showed that the scheme was allegedly carried out on June 23, 2026, when Taiye Enahoro made several phone calls to relatives of Lucky Alabi, claiming that Alabi had been kidnapped and demanding a ransom of Four Million Naira (₦4,000,000) for his release.
The statement said the deception was uncovered through intelligence gathering and painstaking investigations, leading to the arrest of both suspects.
The police added that the suspects have confessed to their respective roles in the staged kidnapping and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, warned members of the public against engaging in criminal deception or staging kidnappings to extort money from relatives.
“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, 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 Command also urged members of the public to promptly report any suspicious activities to security agencies.