By Deborah Nnamdi
The Edo State Police Command has arrested two men for allegedly staging a fake kidnapping in an attempt to extort N4 million from the family of one of the suspects.
The suspects, identified as Lucky Alabi, 48, and Taiye Enahoro, 37, both from Uneme Akpama Community, were arrested by operatives of the Igarra Police Division following what the command described as intelligence-led investigations.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, said detectives uncovered the alleged plot after acting on credible intelligence.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the scheme was carried out on June 23, 2026, when Enahoro allegedly made several phone calls to Alabi’s relatives, falsely claiming that Alabi had been kidnapped and demanding a ransom of N4 million for his release.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on June 26, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m., operatives of Igarra Division arrested two suspects, Lucky Alabi, 48, and Taiye Enahoro, 37, both of Uneme Akpama Community, for conspiring to stage the fake kidnapping of Lucky Alabi,” the statement said.
It added that the suspects were apprehended after investigators uncovered the deception through diligent investigative efforts.
The police said both suspects had confessed to their respective roles in the alleged crime and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, warned members of the public against engaging in criminal deception, including staging kidnappings to extort money from unsuspecting relatives.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring that all persons involved in criminal activities are brought to justice and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The police said investigations into the case are ongoing, after which the suspects will be prosecuted.
