The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested four suspects for staging a fake kidnap to swindle ₦5 million from their own family.

Police say two daughters connived with a married man and his wife to carry out the plan.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

She said the incident began when one Mr. Innocent, who lives in Jikwoyi Phase II, told police his teenage daughter disappeared.

“On July 30, Mr. Innocent reported that his 16-year-old daughter, Miss Lead Way Innocent, left home on July 18 for an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu, but never returned,” the statement read.

Shortly after, he received calls from unknown people demanding ransom.

Teen Found Relaxing with Accomplice

According to Adeh, the Divisional Police Officer in Jikwoyi immediately began investigations.

“Through intelligence gathering and digital tracking, the phone used to call Mr. Innocent was traced to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II,” she said.

When officers arrived, they were shocked to find Lead Way calmly eating with Mrs. Tina Mayowa.

“Both individuals were seen eating and conversing freely, indicating no signs of distress,” Adeh explained.

Investigators soon discovered an elaborate scheme orchestrated by Lead Way’s elder sister, Joy Innocent, and her boyfriend, Mr. Mayowa Adedeji.

Joy stayed at home to avoid suspicion while her younger sister pretended to be abducted.

“Findings revealed that Joy conspired with her boyfriend, who is legally married to Mrs. Tina Mayowa, to stage the kidnapping,” the police said.

Lead Way Innocent was not an unwilling victim. She knew everything and agreed to the plan.

“She willingly stayed with the suspects, while Joy watched her parents suffer emotional distress,” Adeh added.

All four suspects have confessed and remain in police custody.

Police Condemn Betrayal

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Sunday Adewale, described the act as a shameful betrayal of trust.

“This is an act of betrayal and manipulation, particularly one perpetrated within the family,” he said.

He called on parents to look after their children’s emotional wellbeing.

“Parents should encourage regular, honest communication,” he urged.

He warned that any plot to exploit family ties will face stiff consequences.

“Any attempt to exploit familial ties for criminal purposes will not be tolerated,” CP Ajao stated.

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