Couple, Two Sisters Arrested for Faking Kidnap to Extort Father

Police



Police in Abuja have uncovered a staged kidnapping plot involving two sisters and a married couple, who allegedly conspired to extort ₦5 million from the girls’ father.


The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed the arrest of all four suspects, including a 16-year-old girl identified as Lead Way Innocent, who was declared missing by her father but later found unharmed and complicit in the scheme.


In a statement issued on Tuesday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the incident began when one 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 after leaving home on July 18, 2025, to sit for an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu.


The father later received a phone call from unknown individuals demanding N5 million for her release.


The statement read, “Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jikwoyi Division immediately launched a discreet investigation. Through coordinated intelligence gathering and digital tracking, the phone number used to contact the complainant was traced to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II.”


Operatives stormed the identified location and found Lead Way Innocent “in the company of one Mrs. Tina Mayowa, the wife of Mr. Mayowa Adedeji. Both individuals were seen eating and conversing freely, indicating no signs of distress.”


“Findings revealed that Joy conspired with her boyfriend, who is legally married to Mrs. Tina Mayowa, to stage the kidnapping of her younger sister, Lead Way Innocent, in a calculated attempt to defraud their father of N5 million,” the police said.


The police further confirmed that the teenager was not a passive victim but an active participant in the plot.


“It was further uncovered that Lead Way Innocent was not only aware of the plan but was an active participant.


“She willingly stayed with the suspects throughout the period of her alleged abduction, while Joy remained at home and feigned ignorance, watching her parents’ anguish and emotional distress as they struggled to raise money for the supposed ransom,” the statement added.


The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, condemned the incident, expressing concern over the incident being orchestrated within families.


He urged parents to “pay close attention to their children’s emotional wellbeing and behavioural patterns, and to encourage regular, honest communication at home.


“All four suspects are currently in police custody and have voluntarily confessed to the crime. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation,” the police said.

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