FCT POLICE ARREST TWO SISTERS, OTHERS OVER STAGED KIDNAP TO EXTORT N5M FROM THEIR FATHER

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has arrested four suspects, including two sisters, for orchestrating a fake kidnapping plot aimed at extorting N5 million from their father.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the scheme was uncovered after Mr. Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, reported that his 16-year-old daughter, Lead Way Innocent, had gone missing on July 18, 2025. She was said to have left home that morning to sit for an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu.

Shortly after her disappearance, Mr. Innocent received a call from unknown individuals demanding N5 million for her release.

“Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Jikwoyi Division launched a discreet investigation. Through coordinated intelligence gathering and digital tracking, the phone number used in the ransom call was traced to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II,” the police stated.

When officers raided the location, they found Lead Way Innocent in the company of Mrs. Tina Mayowa, the wife of one of the co-conspirators. Both were reportedly calm, eating and chatting freely, with no sign of distress or duress.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Lead Way’s elder sister, Joy Innocent, and her boyfriend, Mayowa Adedeji—who is legally married to Tina Mayowa. Police findings revealed that Joy and Mayowa had conspired to stage the abduction in an attempt to swindle Mr. Innocent.

Lead Way was also confirmed to be actively involved in the plot. “She willingly stayed with the suspects during the period of her alleged abduction, while her sister Joy pretended to be unaware of her whereabouts, despite being fully aware of the plan,” SP Adeh noted.

All four suspects have reportedly confessed to the crime and remain in police custody. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.

Condemning the incident, FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, described it as a “disturbing act of betrayal and manipulation within the family.”

He advised parents to be more attentive to their children’s emotional wellbeing and behavioral changes and encouraged open communication at home.

The FCT Police Command also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities promptly.