The Lagos State Police Command has successfully dismantled a fake kidnapping syndicate, arresting five individuals involved in a staged abduction incident that went viral online. The arrests were made by the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad on Thursday, 18th December 2025, around 1:00 PM.
According to the statement signed 19th December, by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the case first came to public attention as a missing person report at the Ago Palace Division on 26th November 2025. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident, which initially generated widespread public concern, was deliberately orchestrated by the victim himself, Victor Aligwo, in collaboration with four friends,” the statement said. The suspects allegedly used the room of one of the cohorts, Umeh Victor, to stage the fake kidnapping.
The suspects: Kosiko Patrick, 17; Victor Aligwo, 15; David Odudu, 19; Anyabike Kingsley, 20; and Umeh Victor, 19, were apprehended on 17th and 18th December at Volkswagen Roundabout and the Ago Palace area, following a “diligent, intelligence-led, and discreet investigation,” the police noted.
Fake Kidnapping Investigation Leads to Arrests and Recovery of Ransom
Further investigation revealed that the fake kidnapping was intended to extort money from Victor Aligwo’s mother, who had recently received a contribution totaling Four Million Naira (₦4,000,000). The suspects recorded and circulated a distress video showing Victor pleading for help to pressure the family into paying ransom.
A total of One Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1.7 million) was reportedly paid by the mother, which was later shared among the conspirators. The police tracked the transaction via the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal used for the payment, leading to the arrests. “Investigation into the matter is ongoing, and all the suspects will be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction for their prosecution,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has warned criminal elements to desist from any unlawful activities. The police also assured residents that the incident was not a real kidnapping. “The Command wishes to reassure residents that there is no cause for panic. Members of the public are encouraged to continue their lawful activities and promptly report any suspicious acts or movements to the Police,” the statement said.
Members of the public can report suspicious activity through the Lagos State Police emergency lines: 0706 101 9374, 0806 515 4338, 0806 329 9264, 0803 934 4870.
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