The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested two sisters and their accomplices for allegedly staging a fake kidnapping to extort ₦5 million from their father.
Police said the plot was uncovered following a report lodged on 30 July 2025 by Mr. Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, who stated that his 16-year-old daughter, Miss Lead Way Innocent, had left home on 18 July 2025 to sit for an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu, Abuja, and failed to return. He later received a phone call from unknown persons demanding ransom for her release.
Acting on the complaint, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jikwoyi Division initiated a discreet investigation. Intelligence gathering and digital tracking led operatives to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II, where the so-called victim, Lead Way Innocent, was found in the company of one Mrs. Tina Mayowa. Both were seen eating and conversing without any sign of distress.
Further investigations revealed that Lead Way’s elder sister, Miss Joy Innocent, had conspired with her boyfriend, Mr. Mayowa Adedeji — who is legally married to Mrs. Tina Mayowa — to stage the abduction. Police said Lead Way was fully aware of the plan and stayed with the suspects throughout the supposed period of her captivity, while Joy remained at home pretending to be concerned.
All four suspects — Joy Innocent, Lead Way Innocent, Mayowa Adedeji, and Tina Mayowa — have confessed to the crime and are in police custody. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Ajao Sunday Adewale, condemned the incident, describing it as a grave act of betrayal within the family. He urged parents and guardians to monitor their children’s emotional wellbeing and maintain open communication to prevent such occurrences. He also warned that any attempt to exploit family ties for criminal gain will be met with the full weight of the law.