The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with a fake kidnapping incident that went viral last month, involving a schoolboy seen pleading for his life in what was presented as a kidnappers’ den.
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested the suspects on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at about 1:00 pm, following an intelligence-led and discreet investigation.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the arrests were made after detectives uncovered the truth behind the widely circulated video that caused public panic.
According to police findings, the incident was first reported on November 26, 2025, at the Ago Palace Police Division as a missing person case. However, further investigations revealed that the alleged kidnapping was staged.
The supposed victim, 15-year-old Victor Aligwo, reportedly conspired with four of his friends to fake the abduction. The group used a room belonging to one Umeh Victor to record the video, making it appear as though the boy had been kidnapped and was begging for mercy.
Police said all five suspects have been taken into custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
The Lagos State Police Command warned the public against spreading false information and engaging in acts capable of causing fear and panic, stressing that such actions carry serious legal consequences.
The alleged kidnapping was later uncovered as a carefully staged plot designed to extort money from the victim’s family. The suspects reportedly targeted Victor Aligwo after discovering that his mother had recently received a contribution of ₦4 million.
To carry out the plan, they recorded and circulated a distress video showing Victor pleading for help, deliberately creating fear and panic to pressure the family into paying a ransom. Their scheme succeeded when a ransom of ₦1.7 million was paid and transferred into one of the suspects’ bank accounts.
The money was subsequently shared among the suspects. However, detectives traced the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal used for the transaction, a breakthrough that led to the arrest of all those involved. Police said the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
The Lagos State Police, led by CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned criminals to desist from illegal activities and reassured residents that a recent incident was not a kidnapping. The public is urged to stay calm, continue their daily activities, and report suspicious behavior. Investigations are ongoing, and suspects will face prosecution.