Thursday, July 16, 2026

Edo police nab two over fake kidnapping, N4 million ransom demand

The suspects were arrested on June 26, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m.

• June 28, 2026
Lucky Alabi and Taiye Enahoro
Lucky Alabi and Taiye Enahoro [Credit: NAN]

The Edo State police command has arrested two persons identified as Lucky Alabi and his accomplice, Taiye Enahoro, for allegedly staging a fake kidnapping and demanding a N4 million ransom for Mr Alabi’s release in Uneme Akpama Community, Igarra.

The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the suspects were arrested on June 26, 2026, at about 10:30 a.m.

“On 26th June, 2026, at about 1030hrs, operatives of Igarra Division arrested two suspects, Lucky Alabi ‘M’, 48 years, and Taiye Enahoro ‘M’, 37 years, both of Uneme Akpama Community, for conspiring to stage the fake kidnapping of Lucky Alabi,” she said.

“Acting on credible intelligence and through diligent investigative efforts, police operatives uncovered the deception and successfully arrested both suspects as preliminary investigation revealed that the criminal plan was executed on 23rd June, 2026,” Ms Ikoedem said.

According to Ms Ikoedem, Mr Enahoro allegedly made several telephone calls to Mr Alabi’s relatives, falsely claiming that he had been kidnapped and demanding a ransom of N4 million for his release.

“The suspects have confessed to their respective roles in the staged kidnapping and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation,” she added.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Monday Agbonika, warned members of the public against engaging in any form of criminal deception, including staging kidnappings to extort money from unsuspecting relatives.

He said the command remained committed to ensuring that all persons involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.

Ms Ikoedem urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities to the police.

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