The Edo State Police Command has arrested two men for allegedly orchestrating a fake kidnapping in a bid to extort ₦4 million from family members in Igarra, Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Lucky Alabi, 48, and Taiye Enahoro, 37, both of Uneme Akpama Community, were arrested on June 26, 2026, by operatives of the Igarra Police Division following intelligence-led investigations.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, preliminary investigations revealed that the pair conspired to stage the purported abduction of Alabi on June 23.
The police disclosed that Enahoro allegedly made several phone calls to Alabi's relatives, falsely claiming that he had been kidnapped and demanding a ransom of ₦4 million for his release.
Acting on credible intelligence and through diligent investigative efforts, police operatives uncovered the deception and apprehended both suspects.
The Command stated that the suspects have confessed to their respective roles in the staged kidnapping and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, warned members of the public against engaging in criminal deception, particularly staging kidnappings to extort money from unsuspecting relatives.
He reiterated the Command's commitment to ensuring that individuals involved in criminal activities are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies to aid efforts in combating crime across the state.
