The Edo State Police Command has arrested a man identified as Enahoro Alabi for allegedly orchestrating his own kidnapping in a bid to extort money from his father, the command confirmed on Sunday.

According to police spokesman Moses Yamu, the suspect allegedly faked his abduction and sent a ransom demand to his father, who is based abroad, in an attempt to secure a large sum of money. The incident was reported to the police by a concerned relative, prompting detectives to launch an investigation that ultimately led to Alabi’s arrest.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the suspect conspired with others to stage his own kidnapping,” Yamu said in a statement. “The father was contacted with a demand for a substantial ransom, but the scheme was uncovered when the family reported to the police and detectives tracked the suspect’s movements.” He added that Alabi had confessed to the crime and was cooperating with investigators. The suspect has been taken into custody and is assisting police with further inquiries.

Yamu also warned members of the public against staging fake kidnappings, stressing that such acts constitute a serious criminal offence punishable under the law. He urged anyone with useful information regarding the case to come forward and assist the police as investigations continue.