LAGOS,Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended three women and a man for orchestrating a fake kidnapping and extorting a ransom of N5 million.
Spokesperson of the Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrests on Friday, revealing that the suspects, aged 25, 23, 24, and 24, have been taken into custody.
According to Superintendent of Police, Hundeyin, the elaborate hoax unfolded on March 19 when one of the suspects purportedly travelled from Akure to Lagos and feigned her own abduction.
“The family in Akure subsequently received a distressing video showing the supposed victim and another individual bound, gagged, and appearing distressed, accompanied by a demand for a hefty ransom.
“Upon receiving the complaint, the Lagos State Police swiftly launched an investigation, uncovering a shocking truth.
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“Detectives traced the location of the alleged kidnapping to a hideout where the “victim” and another woman featured in the ransom video were discovered living freely, alongside two additional individuals.
“Further scrutiny revealed that a professional makeup artist was enlisted to fabricate the distressing video, enhancing its realism.
“All four suspects have confessed to their involvement in the scam and are awaiting arraignment pending the conclusion of the investigation,” he added.
Also speaking on the development, Commissioner CP Adegoke Fayoade emphasised the importance of community vigilance and urged residents to report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
“The incident serves as a reminder of the need for heightened awareness and swift action against criminal schemes in society,” he said.