The Lagos State Police Command says it has arrested a couple for allegedly planning their kidnap and demanding N5 million ransom.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said that the husband, a 53-year-old technician and wife, a 48-year-old body massager and bone setter, were arrested on Wednesday, April 26, and Thursday, April 27, respectively after a family member of the man reported the purported kidnapping.
He said the couple, who admitted to the crime, claimed they planned the self-kidnap to raise N3 million to buy back their house at Badagry area of Lagos.
“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.”
Hundeyin said the husband and wife were still living in their house in Badagry when they sent out text messages of their kidnap to their relations. However, when police visited the house on Tuesday, April 25, they met the wife and three children.
He said the police requested the woman to follow them to the police headquarters, Ikeja, but the woman pleaded with them to allow her to come the next day Wednesday, which was granted.
The image maker said that the woman came to the station as promised and was arrested for self-kidnap, while the husband was arrested the following day Thursday.
“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.”
Hundeyin said the couple claimed they regretted their actions and appealed to their families and police for forgiveness.
He said the couple will be charged to court soon.