A 21-year-old man in Enugu tricked his parents by pretending he was kidnapped. The police caught him and three other men who helped him with the plan. Together, they tried to get money from the family by asking for a ransom.

The main suspect, Chidera Godwin Ako, staged his own kidnapping. Along with him, the police arrested three others: Okechukwu Philip Chidalu, 19; Ifeanyi Ugwu, 20; and Ossai Chigozie, 35, who was recently released from prison.

The police arrested the group on May 24. They also found a small gun and some bullets with the suspects.

Chidera’s family first reported him missing on May 4. After more than two weeks, the suspects sent a video to the family showing Chidera tied up and looking hurt, with a gun pointed at him. They asked the parents to pay a ransom of ₦10 million.

The parents, desperate to save their son, paid ₦1.5 million on May 22. But the kidnappers did not free Chidera. The family paid another ₦500,000 before the police acted.

The police arrested Chidera and his helpers when they tried to withdraw the ransom money from a payment center. The suspects admitted they faked the kidnapping and will face charges once the investigation is complete.

The Enugu Police Commissioner, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, called the act unfortunate and warned the public to be careful. He asked people to always report kidnappings to the police before paying any ransom, as some cases may be staged.

This case shows how some criminals can go to great lengths to trick families and get money. Always stay alert and seek help from the police if you face such situations.