Fake Kidnapping Scam: Lagos Police Arrest 5 Over Viral Video Plot

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the arrest of five individuals suspected of orchestrating a fake kidnapping involving a schoolboy, with the aim of extorting money from his family. The suspects were apprehended on December 17 and 18, 2025, following a viral video that showed the boy pleading for mercy in a supposed kidnappers’ den, sparking widespread concern.

According to the police, the incident began on November 26, 2025, when the victim, Victor Aligwo, was reported missing by his family. However, investigations revealed that Aligwo had staged his own kidnapping in collaboration with four friends, using one of the suspects’ rooms to carry out the act. The suspects have been identified as Kosiko Patrick (17), Victor Aligwo (15), David Odudu (19), Anyabike Kingsley (20), and Umeh Victor (19).

Preliminary investigations suggest that the group planned the fake kidnapping to extort money from Aligwo’s mother, who had recently received ₦4 million from a contribution. To make the scam appear genuine, the suspects recorded a distress video showing Aligwo pleading for help, which was circulated to create fear and panic, compelling his family to pay a ransom. A sum of ₦1.7 million was paid and transferred to one of the suspects’ accounts, later shared among the group.

The police traced the Point-of-Sale terminal used for the transaction, leading to the arrest of the suspects at Volkswagen Roundabout and Ago Palace areas of Lagos. Lagos State Police Commissioner, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has warned against such criminal activities, assuring residents that the command is committed to ensuring public safety.

The police have reassured the public that the incident was not a genuine kidnapping and urged residents to remain calm, continue their daily activities, and report any suspicious movements. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of inquiries.