Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have arrested four individuals—including two sisters and their accomplices—for staging a fake kidnapping in an attempt to extort ₦5 million from their own father.
The shocking scheme was uncovered following an investigation by the Jikwoyi Police Division, which exposed a case of betrayal within a family.
FCT Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed the details in an official statement.
According to Adeh, the case began on July 30, when a man identified as Mr. Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, reported that his 16-year-old daughter, Lead Way Innocent, had been missing since July 18. She had left home to take an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu, Abuja, and never returned.
Soon after her disappearance, Mr. Innocent began receiving ransom demands from unidentified callers, throwing the family into panic as they struggled to gather the requested sum.
Adeh further revealed that the operatives of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jikwoyi Division immediately launched a discreet investigation upon receiving the report.
“Through coordinated intelligence gathering and digital tracking, the phone number used to contact the complainant was traced to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II.
“Operatives proceeded to the location, where they found Miss Lead Way Innocent in the company of one Mrs. Tina Mayowa, the wife of Mr. Mayowa Adedeji. Both individuals were seen eating and conversing freely, indicating no signs of distress,” Adeh added.
The elder sister of the alleged victim, Joy Innocent, was arrested alongside her boyfriend, Mayowa Adedeji, after subsequent investigations.
Police operatives eventually discovered that Lead Way Innocent was not only aware of the plan but was an active participant.
“She willingly stayed with the suspects throughout her alleged abduction, while Joy remained at home and feigned ignorance, watching her parents’ anguish and emotional distress as they struggled to raise money for the supposed ransom,” the spokesperson noted.
Adeh added that all four suspects involved in the case are in police custody and have voluntarily confessed to the crime. The four of them will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigations.
Reacting to the case, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Sunday Adewale, condemned the case, describing it as an act of manipulation and betrayal.
He also urged parents and guardians to pay attention to their children’s emotional well-being and behaviour.
