A Lagos-based husband and wife, identified simply as Fred and Goodness, have been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a fake kidnapping and extorting N10 million from their relatives and associates.

Police sources disclosed that the couple reportedly staged the abduction on January 7 as part of a plan to raise funds to enable the husband return to the United States, after financial backing from sponsors failed to materialise.

According to a source familiar with the investigation, the suspects contacted members of both families and close friends, claiming they had been abducted and demanding ransom for their release.

Believing the story, the families reportedly mobilised N10 million within three days to secure their freedom.

“The so-called kidnapping was deliberately planned by the couple. The husband wanted to travel back to the U.S. but lacked funds. When expected support did not come, they jointly decided to stage the abduction to raise money,” the source said.

Further details revealed that the suspects agreed on a location at a school in Cappa, Mushin, where the ransom was to be dropped.

However, operatives monitoring the area became suspicious when the woman entered the premises alone and the man arrived separately shortly after.

“Their movements raised red flags. Both later came out together carrying a bag. When operatives stopped and searched them, the ransom money was found inside, leading to their immediate arrest, ” another police source said.

During questioning, the woman reportedly admitted encouraging the scheme, while investigations later confirmed that no kidnapping had taken place.

Confirming the development, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Addebisi, said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.