Edo Vulcaniser Stages Own Kidnap, Extorts ₦12m From Family

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 34 year old vulcaniser, Idris Isiaka, for allegedly faking his own kidnapping in a bid to extort ₦12 million from his family.

The arrest comes barely days after a similar incident on January 13, when an 18 year old girl, Obehi Odine, was arrested for allegedly staging her own abduction in Ekpoma to demand ₦10 million from her parents.

According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Eno Ikoedem, the latest incident occurred on January 10 at Emaudo, Ekpoma, in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

Ikoedem disclosed that the suspect, working with two accomplices Mohammed Saliu and Godwin Mohammed, who are currently at large deliberately staged the kidnap and circulated the story on social media, demanding a ransom of ₦12 million.

He explained that after pretending to be abducted, Isiaka ensured the fake kidnap story was spread through a blogger, while his accomplices contacted his family in Kogi State, threatening to kill him if the ransom was not paid.

“The suspect’s brother eventually sold his property and paid part of the ransom, which the suspect later shared with his accomplices,” Ikoedem said.

The police spokesperson added that the suspect has confessed to the crime and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.