By Linda Okoye
Two girls have faked their own kidnap in an attempt to defraud their elderly father of millions of naira.
The incident, which occurred in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has led to the arrest of four persons by the Police Command.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, explained in a statement on Tuesday that one Mr. Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, reported to the Jikwoyi Police Division on July 30 that his 16-year-old daughter, Miss Lead Way Innocent, left home on 18th July 2025 to sit for an examination at Government Secondary School, Karu, Abuja, and had not returned.
According to the police, Mr. Innocent subsequently received a phone call from unknown persons demanding a ransom for his daughter's release.
Josephine said that upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Jikwoyi Division immediately launched a discreet investigation.
According to her, through coordinated intelligence gathering and digital tracking, the phone number used to contact the complainant was traced 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.”
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of Miss Joy Innocent (the elder sister of the alleged victim) and her boyfriend, Mr. Mayowa Adedeji.
“Findings revealed that Joy conspired with her boyfriend, who is legally married to Mrs. Tina Mayowa, to stage the kidnapping of her younger sister, Lead Way Innocent, in a calculated attempt to defraud their father of ₦5 million.
It was further uncovered that Lead Way Innocent was not only aware of the plan but was an active participant. She willingly stayed with the suspects throughout the period of her alleged abduction, while Joy remained at home and feigned ignorance, watching her parents’ anguish and emotional distress as they struggled to raise money for the supposed ransom.”
All four suspects are currently in police custody and have voluntarily confessed to the crime. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Ajao Sunday Adewale, strongly condemned the act of betrayal and manipulation, particularly one perpetrated within the family.
“He urges parents and guardians to pay close attention to their children’s emotional well-being and behavioral patterns, and to encourage regular, honest communication at home.
The CP warns that any attempt to exploit familial ties for criminal purposes will not be tolerated and will be met with the full weight of the law,” the statement concluded.
