The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old housewife, Mrs. Misturah Bada, and her accomplice, Adedamola Daniel, 30, for allegedly faking her own kidnapping and extorting ₦2.5 million from her husband, who resides in South Africa.
It was reported in a statement signed 20th December, by the state Police Public Relations Officer. SP Abimbola Adebisi, that operatives of the Command Special Squad arrested the suspects over allegations bordering on false kidnapping, conspiracy, and extortion, following a complaint received by the police on November 24, 2025.
According to the police, the distress call was made by Mrs. Bada’s husband through one of the Command’s emergency lines at about 10:00 p.m., reporting that his wife had been kidnapped by armed men who demanded a ransom of ₦10 million, later reduced to ₦3 million. Despite paying ₦2.5 million, the supposed kidnappers allegedly refused to release the victim.
“Upon receipt of the complaint, human and technical assets of the Command Special Squad were immediately deployed to track the alleged kidnappers,” the police stated.
Mrs. Bada was later released and reunited with her family. However, during debriefing, she claimed she was kidnapped by six armed men driving a silver Toyota Venza, taken to their hideout, and dispossessed of her iPhone 12 Pro Max. She also told investigators that the ransom paid by her husband was first deposited into her bank account before being handed over to the kidnappers.
Police Investigation Exposes Staged Kidnapping Plot
Further investigations, however, revealed several inconsistencies in her account. On December 3, 2025, police operatives arrested Adedamola Daniel in Ede, Osun State. A SIM card used to register the WhatsApp account through which ransom negotiations were conducted was recovered from him.
During interrogation, Daniel reportedly confessed that Mrs. Bada requested the use of his SIM card to open the WhatsApp account used for the ransom discussions.
“He admitted that he provided the One-Time Password (OTP) sent to his line, which enabled her to successfully operate the account,” the police said.
Confronted with the evidence, Mrs. Bada confessed to staging her own kidnapping in order to extort money from her husband. Investigations also led to the recovery of the iPhone 12 Pro Max she had earlier claimed was with the kidnappers.
The phone was recovered from Yusuf Sodiq, 34, who told police that he purchased the device from Mrs. Bada for ₦380,000 and was warned not to insert any SIM card into it at the time.
The police confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that Mrs. Misturah Bada and her accomplices, including Adedamola Daniel, will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned members of the public against false reporting and criminal deception.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that such acts are capable of diverting vital security resources. Members of the public were encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency numbers: 0706 101 9374, 0806 515 4338, 0806 329 9264, and 0803 934 4870.
Stay informed with accurate police reports, public safety updates, and breaking crime news from across Nigeria and beyond at LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng.
