Amanze Chinonye
The Lagos State Police Command has successfully dismantled a staged kidnapping operation, arresting five suspects involved in a fake abduction that had sparked widespread concern across the state, Prime Business Africa reports.
According to the Police, the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad apprehended the suspects on Thursday, 18th December 2025, following intelligence-led investigations into a viral video showing a schoolboy allegedly pleading for his life in a kidnappers’ den.
Preliminary findings revealed that the incident, initially reported as a missing person case at the Ago Palace Division on 26th November 2025, was orchestrated by the boy, Victor Aligwo, 15, and four of his friends. Investigations confirmed that the group used the room of one of the suspects, Umeh Victor, 19, to stage the fake kidnapping.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe arrested suspects include Kosiko Patrick, 17; Victor Aligwo, 15; David Odudu, 19; Anyabike Kingsley, 20; and Umeh Victor, 19. The staged kidnapping was reportedly aimed at extorting money from Victor Aligwo’s mother, who had recently received a sum of ₦4 million from a contribution.
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To make the scheme appear real, the suspects recorded a distress video of the boy pleading for help, which was circulated to create fear and pressure the mother into paying a ransom. She later paid ₦1.7 million to one of the fake kidnappers, an amount that was subsequently shared among the suspects.
Police investigations led to the tracing of the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal used for the ransom transfer, which facilitated the arrest of all involved parties. The suspects are currently in custody, and further investigations are ongoing, with prosecution expected in a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned that the Command would not tolerate any form of criminality and reassured residents of their safety, emphasizing that the incident was not a genuine kidnapping.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
