Lagos fake kidnapping foiled as police arrest five suspects behind staged schoolboy abduction used to extort ₦1.7 million

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects involved in a fake kidnapping syndicate that staged the abduction of a schoolboy in a viral video, creating public panic.

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The Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad apprehended the suspects on December 17 and 18, 2025, at Volkswagen Roundabout and the Ago Palace area.

The suspects, aged between 15 and 20, were identified as Kosiko Patrick, 17; Victor Aligwo, 15; David Odudu, 19; Anyabike Kingsley, 20; and Umeh Victor, 19.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident was first reported as a missing person case on November 26, 2025, at the Ago Palace Division.

It was later discovered that the alleged kidnapping had been orchestrated by the victim, Victor Aligwo, in collaboration with four friends, using the room of Umeh Victor to stage the fake abduction.

Police investigations showed that the scheme aimed to extort money from Aligwo’s mother, who had recently received ₦4 million from contributions.

The suspects recorded and circulated a distress video showing the boy pleading for help, prompting his mother to pay a ransom of ₦1.7 million, which was later shared among the conspirators.

Following the payment, officers traced the transaction via the Point-of-Sale terminal, leading to the arrests.

The suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing. They will be charged before a competent court for prosecution.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities and assured residents of the command’s commitment to ensuring safety and security.

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Police Public Relations Officer SP Abimbola Adebisi reassured the public that the incident was not a genuine kidnapping and urged residents to remain calm, continue lawful activities, and report suspicious movements through the command’s emergency numbers.