Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested a 32-year-old man, identified as Osamuyi Igbinovia, for allegedly staging his own kidnapping and demanding a ransom of N4 million from members of his family.
According to police authorities, the suspect was declared missing after relatives lost contact with him and later began receiving messages from individuals claiming he had been abducted. The supposed kidnappers demanded N4 million for his release and threatened harm if the money was not paid promptly.
Concerned family members reportedly alerted the police, prompting an investigation by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
Police sources disclosed that investigators became suspicious after noticing inconsistencies in the communications allegedly sent by the kidnappers. Through intelligence gathering and technological tracking, detectives traced the origin of the messages to a hotel where the suspect was reportedly hiding.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to orchestrating the entire scheme. He admitted using another telephone line to communicate with family members while pretending to be kidnappers holding him captive.
Investigators said the suspect planned to use the ransom money to address personal financial difficulties. Police authorities condemned the act, describing it as criminal and capable of diverting security resources from genuine kidnapping cases.
The Edo State Police Command noted that the incident highlights a growing trend in which individuals stage their own abductions in an attempt to extort money from relatives and friends.
Security experts have warned that such actions not only constitute serious criminal offences but also undermine public trust and place additional pressure on already stretched security agencies.
The suspect is expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
