Police Arrest 5 Suspects Over Viral Fake Kidnap Video In Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a fake kidnapping syndicate, arresting five suspects over a stage-managed abduction involving a schoolboy and a viral distress video that sparked public outrage.

Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad arrested the suspects on December 17 and 18, 2025, following intelligence-led investigations into a video that showed a young boy pleading for mercy in what was presented as a kidnappers’ den.

Police investigations revealed that the incident, initially reported as a missing person case at the Ago Palace Police Division on November 26, 2025, was deliberately orchestrated by the supposed victim, Victor Aligwo, in collaboration with four of his friends.

According to the Command, the suspects used the room of one of their cohorts to stage the act and recorded a distress video to create fear and panic, to extort money from Aligwo’s mother, who had reportedly received ₦4 million from a recent contribution.

Those arrested were identified as Kosiko Patrick (17), Victor Aligwo (15), David Odudu (19), Anyabike Kingsley (20) and Umeh Victor (19). They were apprehended at the Volkswagen Roundabout and in the Ago Palace area of Lagos.

Further investigation showed that a ransom of ₦1.7 million was paid by the victim’s mother and transferred to the account of one of the suspects. The police said the funds were later shared among the group. Operatives subsequently traced the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal used for the transaction, leading to the arrest of all those involved.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned criminal elements to desist from acts capable of causing fear and public disorder, assuring residents that the Command remained committed to safeguarding lives and property.

The police clarified that the incident was not a genuine kidnapping and urged residents to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, while promptly reporting suspicious movements through the Command’s emergency lines.

However, all suspects are currently in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.