Police arrest sisters, couple over staged kidnapping in Abuja

Four suspects, including two sisters, have been apprehended in Abuja over a staged kidnapping scheme aimed at extorting N5 million from their father.

A resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, Mr. Innocent, had reported to the Jikwoyi Police Division that his 16-year-old daughter, Lead Way Innocent, had gone missing after leaving home on July 18, 2025 to sit for an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said in a statement emailed to Persecondnews on Tuesday, August 5, that the command swung into action when Innocent reported receiving a phone call from unknown individuals demanding N5 million for her release.

The statement reads: “Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jikwoyi Division immediately launched a discreet investigation.

“Through coordinated intelligence gathering and digital tracking, the phone number used to contact the complainant was traced to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II.”

Operatives stormed the identified location and found Lead Way Innocent “in the company of one Mrs. Tina Mayowa, the wife of Mr. Mayowa Adedeji. Both individuals were seen eating and conversing freely, indicating no signs of distress.”

Further investigation led to the arrest of Lead Way’s elder sister, Joy Innocent, and her boyfriend, Mayowa Adedeji.

“Findings revealed that Joy conspired with her boyfriend, who is legally married to Mrs. Tina Mayowa, to stage the kidnapping of her younger sister, Lead Way Innocent, in a calculated attempt to defraud their father of N5 million,” the police said.

Lead Way was also confirmed to be complicit, with the police stating, “It was further uncovered that Lead Way Innocent was not only aware of the plan but was an active participant.

“She willingly stayed with the suspects throughout the period of her alleged abduction, while Joy remained at home and feigned ignorance, watching her parents’ anguish and emotional distress as they struggled to raise money for the supposed ransom,” the statement added.

Police Commissioner Ajao Adewale condemned the act, calling it a “betrayal and manipulation, particularly one perpetrated within the family.”

He urged parents to pay close attention to their children’s emotional wellbeing and behavioural patterns, and to encourage regular, honest communication at home.

“All four suspects are currently in police custody and have voluntarily confessed to the crime. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation,” the police said.

The command urged members of the public to report suspicious activities.