Police in Niger State have detained an 18-year-old student from the College of Health in Kwamba, Suleja, for allegedly pretending to be kidnapped and demanding ₦50 million from his mother.

The student, identified as Moses Amarks, was said to have worked with some friends to plan the fake abduction, hoping to get money from his parents.

Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun explained that the matter was reported to the Maje Division on August 4, 2025, after the victim’s mother got a strange phone call saying her son had been kidnapped and a ransom was required.

According to Abiodun, officers traced Moses to the Zuba motor park in Abuja, where he was arrested. During questioning, Moses allegedly admitted that he planned the stunt with his friend, 22-year-old Emmanuel Moses, who had also attended the same school.

Abiodun added that Emmanuel contacted his brother, Jetro, in Kaduna State, who gave them a place to hide in Karji village, Sabon-Tasha.

The suspects reportedly stayed in the hideout for six days before Moses decided to return home after realising the ransom was not going to be paid.

Police say the investigation is still in progress, and they are working to find and arrest Jetro.