Niger State Police Arrest 18-Year-Old Student for Faking Own Kidnap to Demand ₦50 Million Ransom
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Niger State Police Arrest 18-Year-Old Student for Faking Own Kidnap to Demand ₦50 Million Ransom |
In a shocking incident in Niger State, the police have arrested an 18-year-old student of the College of Health, Kwamba, Suleja, identified as Moses Amarks, for allegedly faking his own kidnapping in an elaborate scheme to extort ₦50 million from his parents.
According to the Niger State Police Command, Amarks conspired with friends to stage the abduction, hoping to pressure his family into paying a hefty ransom.
How the Fake Kidnap Was Staged
The command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, revealed in a statement that on August 4, 2025, the police received a report at the Maje Division about a threatening call made to a woman claiming her son had been kidnapped. The caller demanded ₦50 million for his release.
Following swift intelligence tracking, police operatives traced the suspect to Zuba Motor Park in Abuja, where he was apprehended.
During interrogation, Amarks confessed to collaborating with his friend Emmanuel Moses (22), a former student of the same institution. Emmanuel, in turn, reached out to his brother, Jetro, in Kaduna State, who allegedly provided a hideout in Karji Village, Sabon-Tasha. The group stayed there for six days, waiting for the ransom payment.
However, when the ransom failed to materialize, the suspect decided to resurface, leading to his eventual arrest.
Ongoing Investigation
SP Abiodun confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing, and police are actively working to apprehend Jetro, who is currently on the run.
The police have cautioned members of the public against such criminal acts, warning that staging a fake kidnapping is a serious offense under Nigerian law and could lead to severe legal consequences.
For more details on criminal laws in Nigeria and kidnapping-related offenses, you can read the Nigerian Criminal Code Act for a deeper understanding of the legal implications.
Kidnapping Trends in Nigeria
This incident comes amid rising concerns over both real and fake kidnapping cases in Nigeria. Law enforcement agencies continue to urge citizens to report suspicious activities to the police via the Nigeria Police emergency lines or by visiting the Nigeria Police Force official website.
Final Thoughts
Cases like this highlight the urgent need for youth reorientation and community awareness programs to tackle the growing trend of financial crimes among young people. While the economic situation may tempt some into such schemes, the consequences—legal, social, and moral—are far-reaching.
