Niger Police Arrest Two Over Fake Kidnapping, Link Case To Fraud Scheme

The Niger State Police Command has arrested two suspects for staging a fake kidnapping in a plot to extort money, a case now tied to a wider internet fraud investigation.

Command spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed the arrests in a statement on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, noting that the operation followed earlier arrests of nine individuals and the recovery of 21 SIM cards linked to fraudulent Ponzi-style activities.

One of the suspects, 21-year-old Ahmed Alh. Bura of Bauchi State, allegedly conspired with 22-year-old Shafiu Ibrahim of Makujeri to fake his own abduction and demand ₦7 million ransom from their associates.

According to police, the group initially came under investigation after a September 2 case reported at Tudun-Wada Division led to the arrest of nine people, including Suleiman Dauda of Mandela area and Salisu Dauda of Sahuka Kahuta, Minna. Investigators discovered the SIM cards were used in fraudulent online activities under the guise of “Quest Int’l Company,” which operated as an illegal network-marketing scheme.

Police said Bura and Ibrahim were tracked down using technical intelligence and arrested on September 17 at Ibrahim’s residence in Makujeri.

“Findings indicated that the suspects had attended a car drifting show at Mandela area, where they conspired to disappear and demand ransom from their colleagues,” Abiodun said.

The two men remain in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna, and will be charged in court. Police said other suspects arrested earlier have already been remanded.