In a surprising turn of events, the Lagos State Police Command has successfully apprehended four persons involved in staging a fake kidnapping incident, demanding a ransom of Five Million Naira from the family of one of the accomplices. The individuals identified as Margret Itodo, 25, Agnes Ogbeh, 23, Esther Anyanwu, 24, and Anthony Chinakwe, 24, conspired to create a convincing kidnapping scenario involving Ogbeh.
The plot unfolded when Agnes Ogbeh, originally from Akure, was reported to have been kidnapped after her supposed arrival in Lagos on March 19, 2024. The family in Akure was distressed upon receiving a video depicting Ogbeh and another woman, both appearing bound, gagged, and surrounded by drops of blood, seemingly in grave danger.
Acting on the complaint, detectives embarked on a comprehensive investigation that led them to a hideout where Ogbeh, alongside the other individuals in the video and two others, were discovered cohabitating without any signs of distress or captivity.
Further investigation revealed that Margret Itodo, a professional makeup artist, had been enlisted to lend authenticity to the staged video. All four involved have since confessed to their roles in the deceptive act and are expected to be charged upon the completion of the police inquiry.
CP Adegoke Fayoade, the Commissioner of Police for the Lagos State Command, lauded the investigative team for their swift and efficient handling of the case. He also seized the moment to remind residents of Lagos to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities.
The revelation of this staged kidnapping underscores the importance of vigilance and the effectiveness of the Lagos State Police in addressing and unraveling criminal plots within the community.