The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a five-member syndicate over the fake abduction of a 15-year-old schoolboy, Victor Aligwo, who orchestrated the incident and recovered the ₦1.7 million ransom paid.
Other members of the syndicate arrested include Kosiko Patrick, 17; David Odudu, 19; Anyabike Kingsley, 20; and Umeh Victor, 19 years. The suspects were apprehended at the Volkswagen Roundabout and the Ago Palace area on December 17 and 18, 2025, following intelligence-led operations by detectives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad.
According to a statement released by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the arrests followed a fake and stage-managed kidnapping incident that surfaced in a viral video showing a schoolboy pleading for mercy in a purported kidnappers’ den.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident, which initially generated widespread public concern, was first reported as a case of a missing person at Ago Palace Division on 26th November, 2025. Subsequent to the investigation, it was established that the alleged kidnap was deliberately orchestrated by the victim himself, one Victor Aligwo ‘m’, in collaboration with four of his friends, using the room of his cohorts, Umeh Victor, to carry out the fake kidnapping act.
“Further investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly conspired to stage the fake kidnapping with the intent of extorting money from the mother of the suspected victim, Victor Aligwo, who had recently received the sum of Four Million Naira (₦4,000,000) from a contribution,” the statement reads in part.
SP Adebisi disclosed that the suspects recorded and circulated a distress video showing Victor Aligwo pleading for help, thereby creating fear and panic in the minds of his mother and family members, which led them to pay ransom to the alleged kidnappers.
“A ransom of One Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Naira (₦1.7 million) was paid and later transferred to the account of one of the fake kidnappers by the mother to get him freed. The money was later shared amongst them. Following the payment, the Police operatives traced the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal used for the ransom transaction, leading to the arrest of all suspects involved,” she said.
The spokesperson added that investigations are ongoing and that all the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Commenting on the arrest, the Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned criminal elements to desist from all forms of crime, assuring residents that the Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
CP Jimoh reiterated that the incident was not a case of kidnapping and urged members of the public to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.
He further advised residents to promptly report any suspicious movements or activities to the police through the Command’s emergency numbers: 07061019374, 08065154338, 08063299264, and 08039344870.
