Man fakes kidnap, demands N10m ransom from family
The Police in Bauchi disclosed this yesterday, during the parade of 86 suspects arrested in 13 days for various offences across the state.
The Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Abubakar Kamal, said Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed of Nassarawa State allegedly planned his own kidnap.
Kamal said one Tijjani Mohammed of Sabon Fegi in Lafia town, Nasarawa State, had on May 12, reported at the Lafia Police Area Command that his brother, Abdullahi Mohammed, left home for business in Kano.
He said Tijjani told the Police that Abdullahi later called and informed him that he and others were kidnapped near Gusau, while on their business trip to Zamfara State.
Kamal said Abdullahi told Tijjani that the abductors demanded a ransom of N10 million and directed the family to deliver the ransom for his release.
He emphasised that Tijjani said the ransom was later reduced to N1 million and the abductors directed that the money be brought to Bauchi State.
Kamal said the command operatives attached to Anti-Kidnapping Squad later arrested one Haruna Saidu of Gamawa council in Bauchi State, who had come to collect the ransom.
He said further that investigation by the operatives led to the discovery of the alleged abductor (Haruna Saidu), and victim (Abdullahi Mohammed) at the residence of the alleged kidnapper, Haruna Saidu.
“Investigation revealed that Abdullahi Mohammed, a businessman, after his businesses collapsed, conspired with his friend Haruna Saidu and staged a false kidnapping in order to force his family to pay ransom,” Kamal said.
He said the suspects would be charged to court after completion of investigation. (Vanguard)