The Edo State Police Command has exposed a shocking case of self-kidnapping for ransom, leading to the arrest of a 34-year-old vulcanizer. The suspect, Idris Isiaka, allegedly orchestrated his own abduction to extort money from his family, forcing his brother to sell personal property to meet the ransom demand.
The Elaborate Hoax and Arrest
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the incident occurred in the Emaudo community of Ekpoma. Isiaka, who resides on Balogun Street, staged his kidnap on Saturday, January 10, 2026, with the help of two accomplices. He then engineered the circulation of his kidnap story on social media through a blogger.
The suspect demanded a hefty ransom of Twelve Million Naira (N12,000,000) from his family, who are based in Kogi State. The family was contacted with threats that Isiaka would be killed if the money was not paid. In a desperate move to save his brother, Isiaka's sibling sold his own property and paid a portion of the ransom.
Money Shared, Accomplices on the Run
Police investigations revealed that after receiving the ransom payment, Idris Isiaka shared the money with his two accomplices, identified as Mohammed Saliu and Godwin Mohammed. Both men are currently at large, and a manhunt is underway for their arrest. The Edo Police confirmed that the primary suspect, Isiaka, has confessed to the crime and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
A Disturbing Trend in Ekpoma
This case highlights a worrying pattern of self-kidnapping in the region. The police statement recalled that just days before this incident, one Obehi Odine was apprehended by the Ekpoma Division for staging her own kidnap and demanding a Ten Million Naira ransom.
The Edo State Police Command has intensified intelligence-led operations to curb this criminal trend. The Command specifically commended the concerned youths of Ekpoma for providing timely intelligence that led to Isiaka's arrest, urging more community cooperation.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, issued a strong warning to individuals engaging in or planning such acts. He stated that these false claims not only constitute serious criminal offences but also create public panic and divert critical security resources from genuine life-threatening cases.
