The Edo State Police Command has arrested two men for allegedly staging a fake kidnap to extort N4 million from the family of one of the suspects.
The suspects, identified as Lucky Alabi, 48, and Taiye Enahoro, 37, both of Uneme Akpama Community, were arrested by operatives of the Igarra Division following what the police described as “intelligence-led investigations”.
Confirming the arrest in a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, said the suspects were apprehended after detectives uncovered the alleged plot. “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 ‘M’, 48 years, and Taiye Enahoro ‘M’, 37 years, both of Uneme Akpama Community, for conspiring to stage the fake kidnapping of Lucky Alabi,” the statement read.
Investigations revealed the scheme was carried out on June 23. “Preliminary investigation reveals that the criminal plan was executed on 23rd June, 2026, when Taiye Enahoro allegedly placed several telephone calls to relatives of Lucky Alabi, falsely claiming that Alabi had been kidnapped and demanding the sum of Four Million Naira (₦4,000,000) as ransom for his release,” the command said.
The police added that both men confessed to their respective roles in the staged kidnapping during interrogation.
Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Monday Agbonika, warned residents against engaging in any form of criminal deception, including staging kidnappings to extort money from family members or the public.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling crime across the state and ensuring that all offenders are brought to justice.
The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
