The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a fake kidnapping syndicate involving minors who staged their own abduction and collected ransom money from a parent.
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested five suspects in connection with a viral video showing a schoolboy pleading for his life in what was presented as a kidnappers’ den. Police investigations later revealed that the incident was entirely fabricated.
According to the police, the case was initially reported on November 26, 2025, at the Ago Palace Police Division as a missing person incident. However, further investigation established that the alleged victim, 15-year-old Victor Aligwo, deliberately planned the fake kidnapping with four of his friends.
The suspects allegedly used the room of one of the accomplices, Umeh Victor, to stage the act and record a distress video in which Aligwo was seen begging for mercy. The video was circulated to create fear and panic, particularly in the mind of his mother.
Police said the group’s motive was to extort money from Aligwo’s mother, who had recently received ₦4 million from a contribution. Believing her son had been kidnapped, she reportedly paid a ransom of ₦1.7 million, which was transferred through a Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal linked to one of the suspects. The money was later shared among the group.
The suspects — Kosiko Patrick (17), Victor Aligwo (15), David Odudu (19), Anyabike Kingsley (20), and Umeh Victor (19) — were arrested between December 17 and 18, 2025, at Volkswagen Roundabout and the Ago Palace area.
Police operatives were able to trace the ransom payment through the POS transaction, leading to the arrest of all those involved. The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing. The police said they will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned youths and other criminal elements against engaging in any form of crime, assuring residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property.
The police clarified that the incident was not a genuine case of kidnapping and urged members of the public to remain calm. Residents were encouraged to continue their lawful activities and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the police through the command’s emergency lines.