Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Police Command has arrested a Vulcanizer, Idris Isiaka, who allegedly staged his own kidnapping and demanded N12 million as ransom.
The incident happened at Balogun Street, Emaudo, Ekpoma, in Esan West Local Government Area of the state.
Recall that an 18-year-old Edo girl, Obehi Odine, had equally done same barely 24 hours ago.
In a statement made available to Journalists in Benin, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the suspect, a vulcaniser, committed the crime on Saturday with two accomplices who are at large.
Idris’ brother, fearing for his sibling’s life, reportedly sold his property and paid part of the ransom money, which was shared with the accomplices, Mohammed Saliu and Godwin Mohammed.
The statement partly read, “A case of self-kidnapping has been recorded in Emaudo, Ekpoma, where Idris Isiaka, a 34-year-old vulcaniser of Balogun Street, Emaudo Community, Ekpoma, deliberately staged his own kidnapping along with two others on Saturday, 10/01/2026.
“He immediately circulated news of his kidnapping on social media through a blogger and demanded a ransom of N12m. His family in Kogi State was further contacted, with threats that he would be killed if the ransom was not paid.
“His brother sold his property and paid part of the ransom money, which was shared with his accomplices, Mohammed Saliu and Godwin Mohammed, both of whom are currently at large.
“The suspect has confessed to the crime. He will be arraigned in court after the investigation.”
Alerting the public to a growing trend of individuals staging their own kidnappings and making false ransom demands, particularly within Ekpoma and its environs, Ikoedem said the command has intensified intelligence-led investigations and enforcement actions to curb this disturbing development.
Continuing “The command commends the concerned youths of Ekpoma, whose timely intelligence and cooperation significantly contributed to the arrest.
“Their action should be emulated, as it underscores the importance of community safety partnerships in effective policing.
“The command therefore urges youths and community members to continually support this initiative by channelling their energy toward lawful security efforts, timely information sharing, and the promotion of peace and safety within their communities.”
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, warned that individuals engaging in or contemplating self-kidnapping, false abduction claims, or ransom-related frauds must desist from such act
He stressed that such acts not only constitute serious criminal offences but also create unnecessary panic and divert scarce security resources from genuine complaints.
The CP added that the Edo State Police Command is committed to stamping out this trend, warning that anyone who engages in such callous acts will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
