Suspects allegedly extorted ₦10 million from relatives after faking abduction to fund husband’s return to the United States

A Lagos-based couple has been arrested for allegedly staging their own abduction in a bid to raise money for the husband’s return to the United States.

The suspects, identified as Fred and Goodness, reportedly faked their kidnapping on January 7, 2026, and extorted ₦10 million from family members and friends as ransom.

According to a police source, the couple contacted relatives from both families, claiming they had been kidnapped, and demanded a ransom for their release.

Alarmed by the development, their families reportedly raised the sum of ₦10 million within three days, believing the money would secure the couple’s freedom.

“The couple faked their kidnapping and reached out to friends and family members to contribute towards the ransom,” the police source said.

“According to them, the husband wanted to travel back to the United States but lacked financial support from sponsors. They both agreed to stage the abduction in order to raise funds.”

Investigations revealed that the couple arranged a ransom drop-off point at a school located in the Cappa area of Mushin, Lagos.

Police operatives monitoring the area noticed the woman enter the school premises alone, while the man arrived separately moments later. Both suspects were later seen together carrying a bag.

Upon searching them, operatives discovered the ransom money, leading to their immediate arrest.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Addebisi, said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

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