Abuja Police Arrest Sisters, Couple Over Staged Kidnapping

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four suspects, including two sisters, for orchestrating a fake kidnapping plot to extort N5 million from their father.

In a statement released on Tuesday, FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said the case began when one Mr. Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, reported that his 16-year-old daughter, Lead Way Innocent, had gone missing. She had left home on July 18, 2025, to sit for an exam at Government Secondary School, Karu, but never returned.

Soon after, Mr. Innocent received a phone call from unidentified individuals demanding a ransom of N5 million for her release.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jikwoyi Division immediately launched a discreet investigation,” the statement read.

“Through coordinated intelligence gathering and digital tracking, the phone number used to contact the complainant was traced to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II.”

When police operatives stormed the location, they 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.”

Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Lead Way’s elder sister, Joy Innocent, and her boyfriend, Mayowa Adedeji.

“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.

Lead Way was also found to be actively involved in the scheme.

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

“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.”

FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, condemned the act, describing it as a “betrayal and manipulation, particularly one perpetrated within the family.”

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 custody and have voluntarily confessed to the crime.

“They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement noted.

The FCT Command also encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.