By Comfort Asemota
Lagos Police Bust Fake Kidnapping Scam: 15-Year-Old Boy & 4 Friends Arrested After Staging Viral Video to Extort N1.7M from Mother
Lagos State Police have arrested five suspects, including a 15-year-old boy, for orchestrating a fake kidnapping captured in a viral distress video that sparked widespread panic. The staged incident—designed to extort money from the boy’s mother—netted the group N1.7 million before detectives from the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad unraveled the plot.
Announced December 19, 2025, by Command spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the arrests followed a “missing person” report filed November 26 at Ago Palace Division.
The Scam: How It Unfolded
- Victim/Self-Kidnapper: Victor Aligwo (15), the “abducted” boy in the video pleading for mercy.
- Accomplices: Kosiko Patrick (17), David Odudu (19), Anyabike Kingsley (20), Umeh Victor (19)—who provided his room as the “den.”
The group filmed the fake plea, circulated it to pressure Aligwo’s mother—who had just received N4 million from a contribution—into paying ransom. She transferred N1.7M via POS; police traced the transaction, leading to arrests December 17–18 at Volkswagen Roundabout and Ago Palace.
All suspects in custody; charges pending.
Police Reassurance & Warning
CP Olohundare Jimoh: “This was no real kidnapping—no cause for panic. Criminals beware: We won’t relent on safety.”
Residents urged to report suspicious activity via emergency lines: 0706 101 9374, 0806 515 4338, 0806 329 9264, 0803 934 4870.
The case highlights rising fake kidnap scams amid Nigeria’s security challenges—often exploiting social media virality for quick cash.
Stay vigilant, Lagos!
