The Niger State Police Command has arrested a 15-year-old boy, Kelvin Faga, for allegedly staging his own kidnapping in an attempt to obtain a N200,000 ransom from his father.
The command also arrested a 17-year-old suspect, Mayowa Ojewuyi, popularly known as “Mayor,” for allegedly assisting in the plan.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, saying the incident was reported at the B Division Police Station in Suleja.
According to the police, Kelvin left home on July 20, 2026, claiming he was going to church but never returned. His disappearance prompted concern among family members.
The following day, the family reportedly received a phone call from an unidentified person demanding N200,000 and claiming that the teenager had been kidnapped.
Following the report, detectives launched an investigation and gathered intelligence that led them to a hotel in Suleja. On July 25, officers located Kelvin at the hotel alongside Ojewuyi.
Police said both suspects admitted during interrogation that they had deliberately planned the fake kidnapping to extort money from Kelvin’s father.
According to investigators, the pair intended to collect the N200,000 ransom and divide the money between themselves.
SP Abiodun said the two suspects remain in the custody of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where further investigations are ongoing.
He added that they would be prosecuted after the conclusion of the investigation.
The police urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that security agencies remain committed to investigating criminal cases and ensuring those responsible are brought before the court.
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