Authorities apprehend duo allegedly involved in staged abduction scheme in Edo

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The Edo State Police Command has arrested two men for allegedly staging a fake kidnap in a bid to extort N4 million from the family of one of the suspects.

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The suspects, identified as Lucky Alabi, 48, and Taiye Enahoro, 37, both of Uneme Akpama Community, were arrested by operatives of the Igarra Division following what the police described as “intelligence-led investigations.”

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Confirming the arrest in a statement released on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikioedem, said the suspects were apprehended after detectives uncovered the alleged plot.

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The command explained that investigations revealed the alleged scheme was carried out on June 23, when one of the suspects reportedly contacted Alabi’s relatives and demanded a ransom.

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The statement partly read, “The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that on 26th June, 2026, at about 1030hrs, operatives of Igarra Division arrested two suspects, Lucky Alabi ‘M’, 48 years, and Taiye Enahoro ‘M’, 37 years, both of Uneme Akpama Community, for conspiring to stage the fake kidnapping of Lucky Alabi.

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“Acting on credible intelligence and through diligent investigative efforts, police operatives uncovered the deception and successfully arrested both suspects as preliminary investigation reveals that the criminal plan was executed on 23rd June, 2026, when Taiye Enahoro allegedly placed several telephone calls to relatives of Lucky Alabi, falsely claiming that Alabi had been kidnapped and demanding the sum of Four Million Naira (₦4,000,000) as ransom for his release.”

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The police said both suspects had admitted their involvement in the alleged crime and would be prosecuted after investigations were concluded.

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The statement added, “The suspects have confessed to their respective roles in the staged kidnapping and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.”

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The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Monday Agbonika, warned members of the public against engaging in criminal deception, including staging kidnappings to extort money from relatives.

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“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, warns members of the public against engaging in any form of criminal deception, including staging kidnappings to extort money from unsuspecting relatives. The Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring all persons involved in criminal acts are brought to justice,” the statement quoted the CP to have said.

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The command also urged residents to remain security-conscious and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.

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It added, “Members of the public are urged to promptly report suspicious activities.”

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