ABUJA: The Federal Capital Territory FCT Police Command has arrested four individuals, including two sisters, for their involvement in a staged kidnapping plot to extort a N5 million ransom from their father.
According to a statement released by FCT Police Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the incident began on July 30, 2025, when a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, Mr. Innocent, reported his 16-year-old daughter, LeadWay Innocent, missing.
He told police that she had left for an examination on July 18 and had not returned. He later received a ransom demand from an unknown caller.
The Jikwoyi Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately launched an investigation. Using digital tracking and intelligence, police traced the phone number used for the ransom call to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II.
Upon arriving at the location, officers were surprised to find LeadWay Innocent calmly eating and conversing with one Mrs. Tina Mayowa, showing no signs of having been abducted.
Further investigation led to the arrest of LeadWay’s older sister, Joy Innocent, and her boyfriend, Mayowa Adedeji, who is also legally married to Mrs. Tina Mayowa.
Police uncovered a conspiracy where Joy, her boyfriend, and his wife staged the kidnapping to extort money from the girls’ father.
It was revealed that LeadWay was a willing participant in the plot, knowingly staying with the suspects while her family endured emotional distress.
Joy remained at home, feigning ignorance and watching her parents struggle to raise the supposed ransom.
All four suspects have confessed to the crime and remain in police custody. They will be charged in court once the investigation is complete.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, condemned the act as a “betrayal and manipulation” within the family.
He urged parents to pay close attention to their children’s emotional well-being and to foster open communication.
The CP also warned that any attempt to exploit family ties for criminal purposes will be met with the full force of the law.
