Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have arrested two men for allegedly orchestrating a fake kidnapping scheme designed to extort N4 million from family members.
The suspects, identified as Lucky Alabi, 48, and Taiye Enahoro, 37, both natives of Uneme Akpama Community in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, were apprehended by officers attached to the Igarra Division following intelligence-led investigations.
Police authorities disclosed that the alleged plot was uncovered after investigators tracked a series of calls made to Alabi’s relatives claiming that he had been abducted and demanding ransom for his release.
According to the command, the incident dates back to June 23, 2026, when Enahoro allegedly contacted members of Alabi’s family several times, informing them that Alabi had been kidnapped and insisting on a payment of N4 million to secure his freedom.
Confirming the development on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Edo State, ASP Eno Ikioedem, said detectives acted on credible intelligence and exposed what investigators described as a staged abduction.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on 26th June, 2026, at about 1030hrs, operatives of Igarra Division arrested two suspects, Lucky Alabi, 48 years, and Taiye Enahoro, 37 years, both of Uneme Akpama Community, for conspiring to stage the fake kidnapping of Lucky Alabi,” the statement read.
She said preliminary findings showed the scheme was carefully planned to deceive family members into parting with money under false pretences.
Police said investigations established that Enahoro allegedly made several telephone calls to Alabi’s relatives, falsely claiming he had been abducted and demanding N4 million as ransom.
Authorities disclosed that both suspects have confessed to their roles and will be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.
The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, condemned the incident and warned against criminal schemes involving fabricated abductions.
He stressed that anyone found engaging in acts intended to extort money through deception would face the full weight of the law.
The police also urged residents to remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to law enforcement agencies.
Kidnapping continues to pose serious security challenges in many parts of the country, making cases of staged abductions particularly concerning for security agencies seeking to combat genuine criminal networks.
