The Edo State Police Command has raised concerns over a growing trend of self-kidnapping and false ransom demands by individuals within the state.
The Command disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement released in Benin City.
The statement, issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, revealed that the practice is particularly prevalent in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, and surrounding communities.
Agbonika confirmed that two suspects had been arrested in Ekpoma in connection with self-kidnapping and false ransom demands.
The suspects were identified as 18-year-old Obehi Odine and 34-year-old Idris Isiaka.
According to the police, Odine was arrested by operatives of the Ekpoma Division along Old INEC Road, Ekpoma, on Monday, January 12, 2026, after allegedly staging her own abduction and demanding a ransom of N10 million.
Isiaka, a vulcaniser from Kogi State, was also arrested at Emaudo, Ekpoma, on Saturday, January 10, 2026, for a similar offence, alongside two other suspects who are currently on the run.
The Commissioner alleged that Isiaka orchestrated the spread of news about his supposed kidnapping on social media through a blogger and demanded a ransom of N12 million.
He said Isiaka’s family in Kogi State was contacted and threatened with his death if the ransom was not paid.
“His brother eventually sold personal property and paid part of the ransom, which was shared among his accomplices, Mohammed Saliu and Godwin Mohammed, who are presently at large,” Agbonika said.
He added that the suspect had confessed to the crime and would be arraigned in court once the investigations are concluded.
Agbonika commended the youths of Ekpoma for providing timely intelligence that aided the arrests, describing their cooperation as critical to the success of the operation.
He urged residents to emulate such actions, noting that community participation remains vital to effective policing.
Addressing the broader trend, the Commissioner disclosed that the Command has intensified intelligence-led investigations and enforcement efforts to curb the disturbing development.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of the increasing cases of individuals staging their own kidnappings and making false ransom demands, particularly within Ekpoma and its environs.
“We strongly warn anyone engaging in or contemplating self-kidnapping, false abduction claims, or ransom-related fraud to desist, as these acts constitute serious criminal offences, create unnecessary panic, and divert limited security resources from genuine cases.
“The Command is fully committed to eliminating this ugly trend, and anyone involved will be prosecuted in accordance with the law,” he warned.
He further encouraged youths and community members to continue supporting security initiatives by sharing timely information, promoting peace, and cooperating with lawful efforts aimed at safeguarding lives and property across Edo State.
