Lagos police arrest a couple for allegedly faking their own kidnapping and extorting ₦10m from family and friends

A Lagos-based couple, identified simply as Fred and Goodness, have been arrested for allegedly staging their own kidnapping and extorting ₦10 million in ransom from their families and friends.

Also read: Man arrested for faking own kidnap in Kano

Police sources disclosed that the couple faked the abduction on January 7, 2026, in a bid to raise funds for the husband, who reportedly intended to return to the United States but lacked financial support.

According to a police source who spoke on Thursday, the suspects contacted relatives on both sides of the family, claiming they had been kidnapped and demanding ransom for their release. Believing the claims, family members and friends reportedly raised ₦10 million within three days.

“The couple faked their kidnapping, thereby calling on friends and families for contributions towards the ransom payment.

According to them, the husband wanted to travel back to the US and needed money, but their sponsors were not forthcoming, so they jointly planned the act to raise funds,” the source said.

Another police source revealed that the couple arranged for the ransom to be delivered at a school located in the Cappa area of Mushin, Lagos.

However, the operation began to unravel when security operatives monitoring the area noticed suspicious movements.

“Operatives observed the woman entering the premises alone, while the man arrived separately moments later. Suspicion was raised when both later emerged together carrying a bag.

They were stopped, and upon searching the bag, the ransom money was discovered,” the source explained.

The suspects were immediately arrested, and preliminary investigations confirmed that the alleged kidnapping was self-orchestrated.

During interrogation, the wife reportedly admitted that she encouraged her husband to carry out the plan.

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Addebisi, said the couple would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

“The couple will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” she said.

The case adds to a growing list of self-kidnap incidents uncovered by law enforcement in Lagos and other parts of the country.

Also read: Oyo police foil brutal kidnap attempt in Ojongbodu

In December 2025, police arrested a 26-year-old woman, identified simply as Misturah, for allegedly staging her own abduction and extorting ₦2.5 million from her husband under the guise of a kidnapping.