Lagos Police Arrest Five over Staged Kidnapping, Recover Ransom Trail

Lagos Police Arrest Five over Staged Kidnapping, Recover Ransom Trail

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with a staged kidnapping incident involving a schoolboy, after investigations revealed that the widely circulated distress video was fake and deliberately orchestrated to extort money.

Operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested the suspects on December 17 and 18, 2025, following intelligence-led investigations into the viral video that showed a boy pleading for help in what was presented as a kidnappers’ den.

Police investigations traced the case to a missing person report filed at the Ago Palace Police Division on November 26, 2025. However, further inquiries established that the alleged victim, identified as Victor Aligwo, acted in concert with four associates to stage the kidnapping.

According to the police, the suspects used a room belonging to one of them to record the distress video, which was later circulated to create fear and pressure the boy’s family into paying ransom. The plan was allegedly targeted at the boy’s mother, who had recently received ₦4 million from a contribution.

A ransom of ₦1.7 million was reportedly paid and transferred through a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal before being shared among the suspects. Police operatives later traced the transaction, leading to the arrest of all those involved.

Those arrested include Kosiko Patrick (17), Victor Aligwo (15), David Odudu (19), Anyabike Kingsley (20), and Umeh Victor (19). All suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations continue. The police said they will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned members of the public against engaging in criminal activities, assuring residents that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

The police also clarified that the incident was not a genuine kidnapping and urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, while promptly reporting any suspicious movements to the Command through its emergency lines.