Two Men Arrested for Fake Kidnap Scheme in Edo

The Edo State Police have arrested two men for pretending to be kidnapped. They wanted to trick the family of one of the men into paying N4 million.

The suspects are Lucky Alabi, 48, and Taiye Enahoro, 37. They both live in Uneme Akpama Community. Police from the Igarra Division arrested them based on good information they received.

ASP Eno Ikioedem, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Sunday. He said detectives found out about the fake kidnapping scheme.

The police explained that the investigation showed the plan started on June 23. One of the suspects called Alabi’s family and asked for ransom.

The statement said, "The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on 26th June, 2026, at about 10:30 am, operatives of Igarra Division arrested two suspects, Lucky Alabi, 48 years, and Taiye Enahoro, 37 years, both of Uneme Akpama Community, for conspiring to stage the fake kidnapping of Lucky Alabi.

"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 Four Million Naira (₦4,000,000) as ransom for his release."

The police said both men admitted to their roles in the crime. They will face court after the investigation is complete.

The statement added, "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 in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, warned the public against any form of crime, especially pretending to be kidnapped.

"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 statement quoted the CP as saying.

The police also urged people to stay aware of their surroundings and work with law enforcement.

They added, "Members of the public are urged to promptly report suspicious activities."