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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four individuals, including two sisters, for staging a fake kidnapping to extort ₦5 million from their father.
In a statement on Tuesday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, explained that Mr. Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, reported to the Jikwoyi Police Division that his 16-year-old daughter, Lead Way Innocent, had gone missing on July 18, 2025, after leaving home to sit an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu.
Later, he received a phone call from unidentified individuals demanding ₦5 million for her release.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) at Jikwoyi Division launched an investigation. Intelligence gathering and digital tracking led officers to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II.
There, officers found Lead Way Innocent calmly eating and chatting with one Mrs. Tina Mayowa, the wife of Mr. Mayowa Adedeji, without any signs of distress or coercion.
Further enquiries led to the arrest of Lead Way’s elder sister, Joy Innocent, and her boyfriend, Mayowa Adedeji. Police investigations revealed that Joy and Mayowa conspired to stage the abduction in an attempt to defraud their father.
The police stated that Lead Way was not only aware of the plot but also actively participated. She willingly stayed with the other suspects while Joy remained at home, pretending to be unaware and watching their parents’ distress as they struggled to raise the ransom money.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, condemned the incident, describing it as “a betrayal and manipulation, especially one perpetrated within the family.”
He urged parents to pay close attention to their children’s emotional well-being and to encourage open and honest communication at home.
All four suspects are currently in custody and have voluntarily confessed. They will face charges in court once the investigation concludes.
The police also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
