Two men have been detained by the Edo State Police Command for reportedly staging a fictitious kidnapping in an attempt to demand N4 million from one of the suspects’ relatives.
The accused, Taiye Enahoro, 37, and Lucky Alabi, 48, both of Uneme Akpama Community, were taken into custody by Igarra Division agents after what the police called “intelligence-led investigations.”
In a statement issued on Sunday, ASP Eno Ikioedem, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspects were taken into custody following the discovery of the alleged plot by detectives.
According to the command, investigations showed that the purported plan was executed on June 23, when one of the suspects allegedly got in touch with Alabi’s family and requested a ransom.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on June 26, 2026, at approximately 1030 hours, operatives of Igarra Division arrested two suspects, Taiye Enahoro “M,” 37 years old, and Lucky Alabi “M,” 48 years old, both of Uneme Akpama Community, for conspiring to stage the fake kidnapping of Lucky Alabi,” the statement said in part.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the criminal plan was executed on June 23, 2026, when Taiye Enahoro allegedly made multiple phone calls to relatives of Lucky Alabi, falsely claiming that Alabi had been kidnapped and demanding the sum of N4,000,000 as ransom for his release.” Police officers were able to uncover the deception and successfully apprehend both suspects.
Both suspects had acknowledged their role in the alleged crime, according to the police, and they would face charges once the investigations were over.
“The suspects have confessed to their respective roles in the staged kidnapping and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation,” the statement continued.
CP Monday Agbonika, the state’s commissioner of police, issued a warning to the public about criminal trickery, including staging kidnappings to demand money from family members.
Monday Agbonika, the Commissioner of Police in Edo State Command, cautions the people against committing any kind of criminal deception, including staging kidnappings to demand money from gullible family members.
The statement cited the CP as saying, “The command reiterates its commitment to ensuring all persons involved in criminal acts are brought to justice.”
Additionally, the command asked locals to assist with law police and maintain a sense of security.
“Members of the public are urged to promptly report suspicious activities,” the statement continued.
