The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a couple, identified as Fred and Goodness, for allegedly staging their own abduction and extorting N10m in ransom from their families and friends.
DAILY GAZETTE gathered that the couple allegedly faked the kidnap on January 7, 2026, in a bid to raise funds to enable the husband travel back to the United States after financial support from sponsors failed to materialise.
A police source told our correspondent on Thursday that the suspects contacted relatives from both families, claiming they had been kidnapped and demanding ransom for their release.
The source said the families, convinced that the couple was in danger, mobilised and raised N10m within three days.
“The couple faked their kidnapping, thereby calling on friends and families for contributions towards the ransom payment.”
“And what happened was, according to them, the husband wanted to travel back to the US, and he needed some money, but their sponsors were not forthcoming, so they planned it together that maybe by the time they do that, they’ll be able to raise some money,” the source said.
Another police source explained that the suspects arranged for the ransom to be delivered at a school in the Cappa area of Mushin, Lagos.
“Operatives monitoring the area noticed the woman entering the premises alone, while the man arrived separately moments later. However, suspicion was raised when both suspects later emerged together carrying a bag,” the source said.
The source added, “The operatives stopped them, searched the bag, and discovered the ransom money, prompting their immediate arrest. The wife said she was the one who encouraged the husband to make them plot the kidnap.”
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the police, where investigations confirmed that the alleged abduction was a case of self-kidnap.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Addebisi, said the couple would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
“The couple will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” she said.
