The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested four individuals over a staged kidnapping scheme aimed at extorting ₦5 million from an elderly man by his two daughters and their accomplices.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday that the incident came to light after one Mr. Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, reported to the Jikwoyi Police Division that his 16-year-old daughter, Miss Lead Way Innocent, had been missing since July 18, 2025.
According to the report, Lead Way had left home to sit for an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu, Abuja, and failed to return. Days later, Mr. Innocent received a call from unknown individuals demanding a ransom for her release.
Acting swiftly on the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Jikwoyi Division launched a discreet investigation. Through coordinated intelligence gathering and digital tracking, investigators traced the phone number used in the ransom call to a residence in Jikwoyi Phase II.
“Operatives proceeded to the location, where they found Miss Lead Way Innocent in the company of one Mrs. Tina Mayowa, the wife of Mr. Mayowa Adedeji. Both individuals were seen eating and conversing freely, indicating no signs of distress,” the police statement said.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Miss Joy Innocent — Lead Way’s elder sister — and her boyfriend, Mr. Mayowa Adedeji. It was uncovered that Joy had conspired with Adedeji, who is legally married to Tina Mayowa, to orchestrate the fake kidnapping.
The police revealed that Lead Way was not a victim but an active participant in the plan, staying willingly with the accomplices while Joy remained at home pretending to be unaware, as their father made desperate efforts to raise the ransom money.
“All four suspects are currently in custody and have voluntarily confessed to the crime,” the statement noted. “They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.”
The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Sunday Adewale, strongly condemned the act, describing it as a shocking case of betrayal and manipulation, particularly as it occurred within a family.
He urged parents and guardians to prioritize the emotional and psychological wellbeing of their children, and to encourage open, honest communication in the home.
The Commissioner also warned that any attempt to exploit family ties for criminal gain will be met with the full force of the law.
