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Detectives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested five suspects in connection with a fake and stage-managed kidnapping involving a schoolboy whose distress video recently went viral on social media.
The arrest was made on Thursday, December 18, following investigations into a video showing the schoolboy pleading for mercy in what was portrayed as a kidnappers’ den.
According to the state police spokesperson, SP Adebisi, the incident— which initially caused widespread public concern— was first reported as a missing person case at the Ago Palace Police Division on November 26, 2025.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the alleged kidnapping was deliberately orchestrated by the supposed victim, Victor Aligwo (15), in collaboration with four of his friends. The suspects reportedly used the room of one of their cohorts, Umeh Victor, to stage the fake kidnapping.
“Following diligent, intelligence-led and discreet investigations, the suspects were apprehended on December 17 and 18, 2025, at Volkswagen Roundabout and in the Ago Palace area,” Adebisi said.
Those arrested include Kosiko Patrick (17), Victor Aligwo (15), David Odudu (19), Anyabike Kingsley (20), and Umeh Victor (19). All the suspects are currently in police custody.
Further investigations revealed that the suspects conspired to stage the fake kidnapping with the intention of extorting money from Victor Aligwo’s mother, who had recently received the sum of N4 million from a contribution.
To make the act appear genuine, the suspects recorded and circulated a distress video of Victor Aligwo pleading for help, thereby creating fear and panic among his family. A ransom of N1.7 million was eventually paid and transferred to the bank account of one of the suspects. The money was later shared among them.
Police operatives were able to trace the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal used for the ransom transaction, leading to the arrest of all those involved.
Adebisi stated that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be charged before a court of competent jurisdiction.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, warned criminal elements to desist from all forms of crime, assuring residents that the Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state.
The Police Command further reassured residents that the incident was not a case of kidnapping and urged the public to remain calm. Members of the public were also encouraged to continue their lawful activities and promptly report any suspicious movements to the police through the emergency numbers: 0706 101 9374, 0806 515 4338, 0806 329 9264, and 0803 934 4870.
