5 suspects arrested as police uncover kidnapping syndicate in Lagos

Friday, December 19, 2025 - Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested five persons in connection with a staged kidnapping that went viral online, showing a schoolboy pleading for mercy in a fabricated “kidnappers’ den.”

The arrests were made on Thursday, 18th December 2025, around 1:00 p.m., the Lagos State Police Command confirmed in a statement signed by SP Abimbola Adebisi and shared via the Command’s official X handle on Friday.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the case, initially reported as a missing person incident at Ago Palace Division on 26th November 2025, was deliberately orchestrated by the supposed victim, 15-year-old Victor Aligwo, together with four of his associates.

The fake kidnapping was staged at the residence of one of his friends, Umeh Victor.

The suspects, Kosiko Patrick (17), Victor Aligwo (15), David Odudu (19), Anyabike Kingsley (20), and Umeh Victor (19), were apprehended in intelligence-led operations conducted on 17th and 18th December at Volkswagen Roundabout and the Ago Palace area.

Further investigations indicated that the fake abduction was intended to extort money from Victor Aligwo’s mother, who had recently received a sum of N4 million from contributions.

The suspects filmed and circulated a distress video of Victor pleading for help to create fear and pressure the mother into paying a ransom.

The mother reportedly paid a ransom of N1.7 million through a Point-of-Sale, POS, terminal, which was later traced by the Police.

The funds were shared among the suspects before their arrests. Investigations are ongoing, and the five individuals are expected to be charged in court.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, urged criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities and assured residents that the Command remains committed to protecting lives and property.

He also reassured the public that this incident was not an actual kidnapping and encouraged vigilance by reporting suspicious activities via the Police emergency numbers: 0706 101 9374, 0806 515 4338, 0806 329 9264, 0803 934 4870.