The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old vulcanizer, Idris Isiaka, for allegedly staging his own kidnapping in Emaudo, Ekpoma, and extorting ransom from his family.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. He said Isiaka orchestrated the spread of his supposed abduction on social media through a blogger and demanded a ransom of N12 million from his relatives.
According to the police, Isiaka’s brother went as far as selling his property to raise part of the ransom, which was paid before the plot was uncovered.
Investigations revealed that Isiaka shared the ransom proceeds with two accomplices, Mohammed Saliu and Godwin Mohammed, who are currently on the run.
The statement recalled a recent similar case involving one Obehi Odine, who was earlier arrested for faking her own kidnapping and demanding N10 million in ransom. It noted that Isiaka deliberately staged his abduction on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with the help of others.
After circulating reports of his kidnap online, the suspect allegedly contacted his family in Kogi State, threatening that he would be killed if the ransom was not paid. His brother subsequently sold personal property and paid part of the demanded sum, which Isiaka later shared with his accomplices.
Police said the suspect has confessed to the crime and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Edo State Police Command warned that cases of self-kidnapping and false ransom demands are becoming increasingly common in Ekpoma and surrounding areas. In response, the command said it has stepped up intelligence-led operations to curb the trend.
The police also commended youths in Ekpoma for providing timely information that led to Isiaka’s arrest, urging community members to continue supporting security efforts through cooperation and information sharing.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, strongly cautioned individuals against engaging in staged kidnappings and ransom-related fraud, describing such acts as serious criminal offences that create panic and divert scarce security resources from genuine cases. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to prosecuting offenders in accordance with the law.
