FCT Police Arrest Sisters, Married Accomplices For Faking Kidnap To Extort Father

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four suspects, including two sisters, for orchestrating a fake kidnapping plot to extort N5 million from their father.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, revealed that the case began when one Mr. Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, reported his 16-year-old daughter, Lead Way Innocent, missing after she left home on July 18, 2025, claiming she was going to sit for an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu.

Later that day, Mr. Innocent received a distressing phone call from unknown persons demanding N5 million as ransom for Lead Way’s release.

Upon receiving the report, operatives of the Jikwoyi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), initiated a discreet investigation. Using coordinated intelligence and digital tracking, the ransom call was traced to a residence within Jikwoyi Phase II.

When police stormed the location, they found Lead Way relaxed and unharmed, in the company of one Mrs. Tina Mayowa, the wife of Mr. Mayowa Adedeji, casually conversing and sharing a meal. There were no signs of duress or captivity.

Subsequent investigations exposed a web of deceit involving Lead Way’s elder sister, Joy Innocent, and her boyfriend, Mayowa Adedeji, who is legally married to Tina Mayowa. The quartet allegedly conspired to fake Lead Way’s abduction in a calculated attempt to swindle Mr. Innocent of N5 million.

The police disclosed that Lead Way was not a victim but a willing participant in the scheme, having voluntarily stayed with the suspects while her family agonized over her supposed disappearance. Joy, on the other hand, remained at home, feigning ignorance as her parents scrambled to raise the ransom.

FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, condemned the act, describing it as “a disturbing betrayal and emotional exploitation within the family.” He urged parents to strengthen emotional bonds with their children and foster open, honest communication to prevent such destructive behaviors.

“All four suspects are currently in custody and have voluntarily confessed to the crime. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” the statement added.

The command also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies