- He said the suspects demanded N5 million to release the supposed captive but their cover was blown when the police stormed their hideout and found them in a camaraderie atmosphere.
In Lagos State, four persons have been apprehended for faking the kidnapping of one Agnes Ogbeh, the police have said.
Other persons involved in the theatrical incident are identified as Margaret Itodo (25), Esther Anyanwu (24), and Anthony Chinakwe (24).
The Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrests in a statement with a video of the fake kidnapping posted on his official X account on Friday.
According to him, on March 19, 2024, Ogbeh, a resident of Akure, Ondo State, had travelled to Lagos and was reportedly kidnapped in Lagos.
He said her family in Akure received a video showing Agnes and one other person tied, gagged, and writhing in pain with blood droplets around them.
However, the development was stage-manged as it turned out to be fake.
He said the suspects demanded N5 million to release the supposed captive but their cover was blown when the police stormed their hideout and found them in a camaraderie atmosphere.
“The ‘kidnappers’ demanded the sum of N5m for the release of Agnes. Upon receipt of the complaint, detectives of the command commenced a discreet and diligent investigation into the matter.
“The hideout was located where Agnes, the other lady in the video, and two others were found living freely together.
“Further investigations revealed that Margaret Itodo is a professional make-up artist who was hired to make the video look real. All four have made confessional statements and are to be arraigned at the conclusion of the investigation,” the statement added