Couple prepares self-kidnap, seeks N5 million in ransom, says police

According to the Lagos State Police Command, a couple has been detained for allegedly plotting to kidnap them and demand a N5 million ransom.

The husband, a 53-year-old technician, and wife, a 48-year-old body masseuse and bone setter, were detained on Wednesday, April 26, and Thursday, April 27, respectively, after a family member of the man reported the alleged abduction, according to the command's spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin.

According to him, the pair, who confessed to the act, said they plotted the self-kidnapping to obtain N3 million to repurchase their property in Lagos' Badagry neighborhood.

“The man brought the idea and sold it to his wife. He did not deny it before the police. He said he did it through text message for a purpose. He said he did it because he wanted to re-buy his house back with N3 million," Hundeyin told the News Agency of Nigeria.

“The man claimed he decided to organise self-kidnap because none of his brothers and sisters doing well and some living abroad are willing to assist him financially.

“He claimed that if they hear of his kidnap with his wife, they would negotiate with the kidnappers and pay the money."

As per Hundeyin, the couple still resided in their Badagry home at the time they texted their loved ones to inform them of their kidnapping. However, the wife and three kids were present when the police showed up at the residence on Tuesday, April 25.

In accordance to him, the police asked the lady to accompany them to the Ikeja police headquarters, but she begged them to let her come the next day, on Wednesday, and they agreed.

According to the creator of the picture, the wife showed up at the station as she had promised and was detained for self-kidnapping, while the husband was detained on Thursday the following day.

“She admitted that she supported her husband in the crime. She also admitted that her husband discussed the matter with her and she gave her approval because they never thought it will turn out negative.

“The woman claimed if the plan worked out, it would have been the easiest way to raise the money to buy back their house since her husband’s brothers in UK are not willing to help him."