Lagos couple arrested for staging fake kidnapping to extort N10m

A Lagos-based couple, identified as Fred and Goodness, have been arrested by police for allegedly orchestrating a fake kidnapping to extort N10 million from relatives and close associates.

According to sources, the staged abduction occurred on January 7 after the husband reportedly expressed a desire to return to the United States but lacked the funds to finance the trip.

The couple allegedly contacted family members on both sides, claiming they had been kidnapped and urgently needed ransom money for their release.

Believing the claims, relatives and friends reportedly mobilised the N10 million within three days. A police source explained that the scheme was planned as a way to raise quick cash after expected sponsors failed to provide financial assistance.

“They pretended to be victims of kidnapping and appealed to family and friends to contribute towards ransom payment. Their intention was to raise money to enable the man to travel abroad,” the source said.

The couple reportedly arranged for the ransom drop at a school in the Cappa area of Mushin, Lagos. However, surveillance officers became suspicious after observing the woman enter the location alone, followed shortly by the man, and later exiting together with a bag.

Upon stopping and searching the pair, the police recovered the ransom money, leading to their immediate arrest. During questioning, the woman allegedly admitted to encouraging the plan.

Preliminary investigations confirmed that no abduction had taken place and that the incident was entirely staged.

Confirming the arrests, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Addebisi, said the couple would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

This case adds to a growing number of self-orchestrated kidnappings in Nigeria. In December 2025, a 26-year-old woman, Misturah, was reportedly arrested for faking her own abduction and collecting N2.5 million from her husband under the guise of a ransom demand.