Couple Arrested in Lagos for Faking Own Kidnap to Extort ₦10m

MomA Lagos-based couple, identified as Fred and Goodness, have been arrested for allegedly staging their own abduction and extorting ₦10 million from relatives and friends.

Police sources disclosed that the couple conceived the plan on January 7 after the husband reportedly sought funds to return to the United States but was unable to secure financial support from family and associates. In a bid to raise money, they allegedly fabricated a kidnapping scenario and demanded ransom.

Alarmed by claims that the couple had been abducted and their lives were in danger, family members and friends reportedly mobilised ₦10 million within three days. The ransom was subsequently arranged to be dropped at a school in the Cappa area of Mushin, Lagos.

However, police operatives monitoring the location became suspicious. According to a police source, the woman arrived at the drop-off point first, while the man came separately. Both later reappeared together carrying a bag.

“A search of the bag revealed the ransom money, leading to their immediate arrest,” the source said.
During interrogation, the wife reportedly confessed to encouraging the scheme, confirming that the kidnapping was entirely staged.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Addebisi, confirmed the arrest, stating that investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the inquiry.

The incident adds to a growing list of self-orchestrated abduction cases in Lagos State, raising concerns among security agencies over the increasing misuse of kidnapping narratives as a means of financial extortion.