Mother, tutor, accomplice arrested over alleged N15m fake kidnap of toddler

A 38-year-old mother of two, identified as Catherine, has allegedly conspired with her son’s home lesson teacher and another suspect to stage the abduction of her two-year-old son and demand a N15 million ransom from the child’s father in Jos, Plateau State.

The alleged scheme was uncovered by operatives of the Federal Intelligence Department-Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) following a report of the toddler’s abduction.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the child was rescued unhurt and reunited with his biological father.

Catherine, 34-year-old Nansik, and 32-year-old Emmanuel have been arrested and are expected to face prosecution after investigations.

How the alleged plot unfolded

Catherine, who hails from Nasarawa State, reportedly told Saturday Tribune that financial disagreements with her husband preceded the alleged plot.

She said the disagreement began after she contributed N200,000 given to her for emergencies to a cooperative society, leaving her unable to immediately repay N50,000 borrowed from a neighbour.

According to her, Nansik, who had taught her first child for about five years, became aware of the dispute during a telephone conversation and allegedly suggested staging a kidnapping to raise money.

Catherine claimed she initially rejected the idea but later agreed to the staged abduction of her toddler.

She said she proposed a N3 million ransom, while Nansik allegedly suggested a higher amount, anticipating that negotiations would reduce the demand.

The child was allegedly taken on July 19 after Catherine and Nansik visited her grandmother’s residence following church service.

Police investigations reportedly revealed that Catherine supplied food and other necessities for the child, while Nansik allegedly kept him at her residence, changed his clothes and dressed him in female clothing to conceal his identity.

The suspects allegedly used an unregistered SIM card to contact the family and demand N15 million.

Police intercept communication, rescue child

The investigation intensified on July 23 after operatives reportedly intercepted communication between Catherine and Nansik.

Nansik was subsequently tracked to her residence, where the toddler was rescued in good health. He was taken for medical attention before being handed over to his father.

Catherine and Emmanuel were later arrested following Nansik’s confession.

Suspects give conflicting accounts

Catherine initially denied involvement but later confessed, expressing regret and blaming pressure from her husband and alleged manipulation by Nansik.

Nansik admitted participating in the scheme but disputed Catherine’s claim that she introduced the idea. She alleged that Catherine proposed targeting her son because the child’s father was particularly fond of him.

She also claimed Catherine supplied food items and gave her N7,000 for transportation and the purchase of a SIM card.

Emmanuel, a painter and 400-level university student, admitted making ransom calls. He said he was promised N2 million and initially demanded N15 million from the child’s grandmother before reducing it to N10 million.

He claimed he later withdrew from the operation after attempts to disguise his voice failed.

CSP Iniedu said the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigations.