The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four persons — including two sisters and a married couple — for orchestrating a fake kidnapping to extort N5 million from the father of one of the suspects.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the case began on July 18, 2025, when one Mr. Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, reported that his 16-year-old daughter, Lead Way Innocent, had gone missing after leaving home to sit for an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu.
Days later, Mr. Innocent received a call from unidentified individuals demanding N5 million in exchange for his daughter’s release.
“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Jikwoyi Division immediately launched a discreet investigation. Through intelligence gathering and digital tracking, officers traced the phone number used for the ransom call to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II,” the statement said.
Operatives raided the location and found Lead Way Innocent in the company of one Mrs. Tina Mayowa, who is married to one of the suspects. The pair were reportedly seen eating and chatting, with no sign that the girl had been abducted.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Lead Way’s elder sister, Joy Innocent, and her boyfriend, Mayowa Adedeji — who is legally married to Mrs. Mayowa.
Police findings revealed that Joy and her boyfriend conspired to stage the abduction in a bid to fraudulently obtain N5 million from her father. Lead Way was also discovered to be an active participant in the plot.
“She willingly stayed with the suspects throughout the period of her supposed abduction,” the statement continued. “Meanwhile, Joy remained at home, pretending to be concerned while her parents were thrown into panic and emotional distress.”
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, described the act as a “deep betrayal,” particularly because it was perpetrated within a family unit.
“This incident is a stark reminder for parents to closely monitor the emotional wellbeing and behavioural patterns of their children. Honest and open communication within the home is critical,” he said.
All four suspects have confessed to the crime and remain in police custody. They are expected to be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
