The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a couple, identified as Fred and Goodness, for allegedly staging their own abduction and extorting ₦10 million in ransom from their families and friends.
Police sources said the couple faked the kidnapping on January 7, 2026, with the aim of raising funds to enable the husband to return to the United States, after financial support from sponsors reportedly failed to materialise.
According to a source who spoke with The Punch on Thursday, the suspects contacted relatives from both families, claiming they had been kidnapped and urgently demanded ransom for their release.
The families, believing the claims to be genuine, reportedly raised ₦10 million within three days to secure the couple’s freedom.
“The couple staged the kidnapping and reached out to friends and family members to solicit contributions for the ransom. They explained during interrogation that the husband wanted to travel back to the US but lacked the necessary funds, so they jointly planned the act to raise money,” the source said.
Another police source disclosed that the suspects had arranged for the ransom to be delivered at a school in the Cappa area of Mushin, Lagos.
Operatives monitoring the location reportedly observed the woman entering the premises alone, while the man arrived separately shortly after. Suspicion was raised when both suspects later emerged together carrying a bag.
The operatives intercepted and searched the bag, where the ransom money was found, leading to their immediate arrest.
Further investigations at the police station confirmed that the alleged abduction was a case of self-kidnapping. The woman reportedly admitted to encouraging her husband to carry out the plan.
The spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, Abimbola Addebisi, confirmed the incident, noting that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.