By Peterside Rejoice,
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four suspects over a staged kidnapping involving two sisters who allegedly conspired with accomplices to extort the sum of ₦5 million from their father.
Spokesperson of the Command, SP Josephine Adeh, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, said the arrest followed a report by one Mr Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, who informed the police that his 16-year-old daughter, Miss Lead Way Innocent, went missing after leaving home on 18th July 2025 to sit for an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu, Abuja.
According to the police, Mr Innocent received a phone call from unknown persons demanding ₦5 million for the release of his daughter, prompting him to report the matter to the Jikwoyi Division on 30th July 2025.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) immediately launched an investigation, during which operatives traced the phone number used in the ransom call to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II. Officers stormed the location and found Miss Lead Way Innocent in the company of one Mrs Tina Mayowa. Both were seen eating and chatting freely, showing no signs of distress or abduction.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Miss Joy Innocent, the elder sister of the supposed victim, and her boyfriend, Mr Mayowa Adedeji, who is legally married to Mrs Tina Mayowa. Findings revealed that Joy had conspired with her boyfriend to fake the abduction of her younger sister in order to extort money from their father.
The police also uncovered that Lead Way was fully aware of the plot and willingly stayed with the suspects throughout the period she was declared missing. Meanwhile, her sister Joy remained at home, pretending to be unaware of the situation and watching as their parents agonised and struggled to raise the ransom.
“All four suspects are currently in custody and have voluntarily confessed to the crime,” the statement said. “They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.”
The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Sunday Adewale, psc, mnips, while condemning the act, described it as a disturbing case of betrayal and manipulation, particularly among family members.
He urged parents and guardians to monitor their children closely, pay attention to their emotional wellbeing, and maintain open and honest communication in the home.
He warned that anyone found exploiting family relationships for criminal purposes will face the full weight of the law.
The Command also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities or emergencies via 0803 200 3913 or 0806 158 1938.
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