Crime

Enugu Police Arrest 21-Year-Old for Faking His Own Kidnap, Collecting ₦2 Million Ransom from Parents

Published by Tope Fakinlede on May 28th, 2025.

Enugu Police Arrest 21-Year-Old for Faking His Own Kidnap, Collecting ₦2 Million Ransom from Parents

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested four individuals in connection with a staged kidnapping plot that defrauded a family of ₦2 million. Among those arrested was 21-year-old Chidera Godwin Ako, who allegedly faked his own abduction in a bid to extort money from his parents.

Others involved in the scheme include Okechukwu Philip Chidalu (19), Ifeanyi Ugwu (20), and 35-year-old Ossai Chigozie, who was recently released from a correctional facility. The suspects were apprehended around 1 p.m. on May 24, 2025, and were found in possession of a locally made single-barrel firearm and two live cartridges.

Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe explained that Chidera was reported missing by his family on May 4. Weeks later, on May 21, his alleged accomplices contacted his parents using his phone, demanding a ransom of ₦10 million. To heighten the sense of urgency, they sent a video showing Chidera tied up, seemingly assaulted, with a firearm pointed at him.

The distressed parents initially paid ₦1.5 million into a specified bank account on May 22. When their son was not released, they transferred an additional ₦500,000 the following day. Police operatives tracked the suspects and arrested them at a POS terminal while they attempted to withdraw the funds.

During interrogation, the suspects admitted to staging the kidnapping. Police say they will be charged once investigations are complete.

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, condemned the act, calling it “deeply troubling.” He ordered a continued probe to identify and arrest any additional individuals connected to the crime. Giwa also urged citizens to remain cautious and report suspicious activities, cautioning that not all reported kidnappings are genuine and some may be elaborate scams.