The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested two sisters and their accomplices for allegedly staging a fake kidnapping to extort N5 million from their father.
The suspects include 16-year-old Miss Lead Way Innocent, her elder sister Miss Joy Innocent, and Joy’s boyfriend, Mr. Mayowa Adedeji, along with his wife, Mrs. Tina Mayowa. They are all currently in police custody.
According to a statement by the FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the plot came to light after one Mr. Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, reported to the police on July 30, 2025, that his daughter, Lead Way, had gone missing after leaving home on July 18 to sit for an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu.
Mr. Innocent told police he later received a call from unknown persons demanding ransom for her release.
Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jikwoyi Division launched an investigation. Through digital tracking, officers traced the phone number used in the ransom call to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II. Upon arriving at the location, operatives found Lead Way in the company of Mrs. Tina Mayowa. Both were reportedly eating and conversing freely, showing no signs of distress.
Further investigation revealed that Joy Innocent had conspired with her boyfriend, Mr. Mayowa, to stage the kidnapping. Lead Way was fully aware of the plan and willingly stayed at the location throughout the period of her alleged abduction. Meanwhile, Joy remained at home, pretending to be unaware while watching her parents struggle emotionally and financially.
“All four suspects have voluntarily confessed to the crime and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” SP Adeh confirmed.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Ajao Sunday Adewale, condemned the act, particularly its occurrence within a family. He called on parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children’s emotional wellbeing and to encourage open and honest communication at home.
The CP also warned that any attempt to exploit familial trust for criminal purposes would be met with the full force of the law.
Members of the public are advised to report suspicious activities or emergencies via the FCT Command’s emergency lines: 0803 200 3913 or 0806 158 1938.