Abuja Police Arrest Sisters, Couple Over Fake Kidnapping to Extort N5 Million from Father

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four individuals, including two sisters, for allegedly staging a fake kidnapping in a bid to extort N5 million from their father.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the incident began when a man identified as Mr. Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, reported that his 16-year-old daughter, Lead Way Innocent, had disappeared on July 18, 2025, after leaving home to write an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu.

Shortly after her disappearance, Mr. Innocent received a ransom call from unknown persons demanding N5 million for her release.

Promptly responding to the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jikwoyi Division launched a discreet investigation. Through a combination of intelligence gathering and digital tracking, the source of the call was traced to a residence in the same area.

When police operatives stormed the location, they found Lead Way safe and unharmed, in the company of Mrs. Tina Mayowa, wife of Mr. Mayowa Adedeji. The two were reportedly seen eating and chatting comfortably, with no indication that Lead Way was being held against her will.

Further inquiries led to the arrest of Lead Way’s older sister, Joy Innocent, and her boyfriend, Mayowa Adedeji, who is legally married to Tina Mayowa.

According to police findings, Joy and Mayowa orchestrated the staged abduction in collaboration with Lead Way, with the aim of defrauding their father. Joy remained at home pretending to be unaware of her sister’s whereabouts while her parents suffered distress over the situation.

The statement revealed that Lead Way was a willing participant, staying with the co-conspirators throughout the duration of the fake abduction.

Condemning the act, FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, described the case as a shocking display of betrayal and manipulation within a family unit. He emphasized the importance of parents maintaining open lines of communication and staying attuned to their children’s emotional and behavioral changes.

All four suspects are in custody and have confessed to the crime. They will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

The police have urged members of the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement authorities.