The Edo State Police Command has taken into custody a 34-year-old vulcaniser, Idris Isiaka, over allegations that he orchestrated his own abduction in Emaudo, Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The arrest was made shortly after the police uncovered a similar incident involving an 18-year-old girl, Obehi Odine, who was also accused of faking her kidnapping.
Both cases occurred within a 24-hour period, raising concerns about a growing pattern of staged abductions in the area.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Wednesday, January 14, the Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that Isiaka carried out the act on Saturday, January 10, with the help of two accomplices who are currently on the run.
According to the police, the suspect’s brother, who believed his sibling was in grave danger, sold his property to raise ransom money. A portion of the funds was allegedly handed over and later shared among the suspects.
The statement partly read, “A case of self-kidnapping has been recorded in Emaudo, Ekpoma, where Idris Isiaka, a 34-year-old vulcaniser of Balogun Street, Emaudo Community, Ekpoma, deliberately staged his own kidnapping along with two others on Saturday, 10/01/2026.
“He immediately circulated news of his kidnapping on social media through a blogger and demanded a ransom of N12 million. His family in Kogi State was further contacted, with threats that he would be killed if the ransom was not paid.
“His brother sold his property and paid part of the ransom money, which was shared with his accomplices, Mohammed Saliu and Godwin Mohammed, both of whom are currently at large.
“The suspect has confessed to the crime. He will be arraigned in court after the investigation.”
Ikoedem warned that the command has observed an increase in cases where individuals fabricate kidnapping incidents to extort money, particularly around Ekpoma. She noted that intelligence-driven policing and enforcement efforts have been strengthened to address the trend.
She added, “The command commends the concerned youths of Ekpoma, whose timely intelligence and cooperation significantly contributed to the arrest. Their action should be emulated, as it underscores the importance of community safety partnerships in effective policing.
“The command therefore urges youths and community members to continually support this initiative by channelling their energy toward lawful security efforts, timely information sharing, and the promotion of peace and safety within their communities.”
The statement further revealed that the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has cautioned residents against engaging in self-kidnapping, false abduction reports, or ransom scams, stressing that such actions are serious crimes.
Agbonika warned that these offences fuel public fear and unnecessarily divert security resources, assuring that the command will prosecute anyone found culpable in line with the law.
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