Edo Police Arrest Vulcanizer for Staging Own Kidnapping, Defrauding Family of ₦12m

The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of the arrest of a self-kidnap suspect in Emaudo, Ekpoma, in connection with a staged abduction and ransom fraud.

It will be recalled that one Obehi Odine was recently apprehended at the Ekpoma Division for staging her own kidnapping and demanding a ransom of Ten Million Naira (₦10,000,000).

In a similar development, the Command has recorded another case in Emaudo Community, Ekpoma, where Idris Isiaka (male), aged 34, a vulcanizer of Balogun Street, Emaudo, deliberately staged his own kidnapping in collaboration with two accomplices.

The incident occurred on Saturday, 10th January, 2026, when the suspect orchestrated the false abduction and facilitated the circulation of the incident on social media through a blogger.

He subsequently demanded a ransom of Twelve Million Naira (₦12,000,000). His family members in Kogi State were contacted and threatened with his death should the ransom not be paid.

Following the threats, his brother reportedly sold personal property and paid part of the ransom, which was shared among the suspects.

Further investigation revealed that the crime was jointly carried out with Mohammed Saliu (male) and Godwin Mohammed (male), both of whom are currently at large.

The principal suspect has confessed to the crime and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices.

The Edo State Police Command expresses serious concern over the growing trend of individuals staging their own kidnappings and making false ransom demands, particularly within Ekpoma and its environs. In response, the Command has intensified intelligence-led investigations and enforcement operations to curb this disturbing development.

The Command commends the concerned youths of Ekpoma whose timely intelligence and cooperation significantly contributed to the arrest of the suspect. Their action underscores the importance of community-police partnership in effective crime prevention and detection. Members of the public, especially youths, are encouraged to continually support lawful security efforts through timely information sharing and peaceful engagement.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, strongly warns individuals involved in or contemplating self-kidnapping, false abduction claims, or ransom-related fraud to desist from such criminal acts. These offences not only cause unnecessary panic but also divert scarce security resources from genuine emergencies.

The Command remains resolute in stamping out this ugly trend, and offenders will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.