The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects over a staged kidnapping and extortion plot involving a schoolboy, the police said in a statement.
The arrests followed the circulation of a video online showing the boy in what appeared to be a kidnapper’s den.
Investigators discovered the incident was orchestrated to extort ₦1.7 million from the boy’s mother, who had recently received a cash contribution.
The suspects have been identified as 15 to 20-year-olds.
According to the police, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident… was deliberately orchestrated by the victim himself… in collaboration with four of his friends.”
The statement added, “The suspects… faked the kidnapping incident… and are now in police custody.”
Police traced the ransom payment through a Point-of-Sale terminal, which led to the apprehension of all five suspects.
The command confirmed that the suspects are being held as the investigation continues.
The police further stated, “Investigation into the matter is ongoing, and all the suspects will be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction for their prosecution.”
They also warned, “The Command will not relent in ensuring the safety of lives and property.”
The Lagos State Police Command assured the public that the matter is being treated as a criminal offence and urged residents to report suspicious activities to authorities.
