Amid the rise in cases of kidnapping in Nigeria, which is now spiced with self-kidnapping, the Nigeria Police Force has warned that self-kidnapping is a criminal act punishable by law.
While kidnappers attacked various locations and abducted many victims, others decided to make themselves victims, only that in this case, they kidnap themselves.
As a matter of fact, self-kidnapping has become a trend, making it difficult for the police to carry out their duties effectively.
Nigerians are indeed very funny, now it is clear why the former administration of President Buhari always emphasised that ‘Change Begins with Me’.
The recent happenings have not exonerated the government, but however, it has also proven that the people are part of the problem.
The Warning
The police sent it’s warning in a statement released on Tuesday.
The force expressed concerns about the growing trend of self-kidnapping in Nigeria.
The spokesperson of the Force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, cautioned against the trend.
According to him, there are legal consequences tied to the action.
The statement read: “The Nigeria Police Force hereby warns against the recent disturbing trend of self-kidnapping (false kidnapping).
“It is a punishable offense under the laws.
“We caution the public against engaging in such activities as there are legal consequences associated with this criminal act.
“This is following observed incidents of self-kidnapping in various locations, with suspects apprehended in Lagos and Abuja.
“In Lagos, a couple was arrested for alleged self-kidnapping scheme aimed at obtaining a ₦5 million ransom recently.
“The husband, Doubara David Yabrifa, a 53-year-old technician, and the wife Regina Yabrifa, a 48-year-old body massager and bone setter, were apprehended after a family member reported the purported kidnapping.
Confession
“The couple confessed to planning the self-kidnap to raise ₦3 million to purchase a property in Badagry, Lagos.
“The husband justified the act, citing financial difficulties and lack of support from relatives.
Both were arrested and subsequently charged to court.
“Also, one Albarka Sukuya of Jenta Apata, Jos, has been notorious for staging his kidnap.
“On several occasions he received ransoms from unsuspecting members of the community in Plateau State.
“Similarly, on January 20, 2024, a young man, Nnamdi Agu, faked his kidnap in Abuja.
This was an attempt to defraud one of his family members who resides around River Park Estate, Abuja.
“His aim was to make money to pay for his personal pleasures.
Be Wary
“The Police, in a swift response, foiled the staged kidnapping, and arrested the suspect.
It is obvious that the suspect and many others leverage on the prevailing instances of kidnapping.
“They plan to engage in such criminal and deceptive acts of staged or self-kidnapping to make money.
Also Read: Abuja Resident In Custody For Kidnapping Himself
“These three (3) cases are a few of similar cases recorded in some states, that have been thwarted by the Police.
“The Force hereby cautions members of the public to be wary of this trend. Those with intent to venture into these criminal acts should desist.
“This is because the police will leave no stone unturned to cause such suspects to face the full wrath of the law.
“Equally, we vehemently encourage the media and social media influencers, bloggers, etc.
“They must constantly verify news before broadcasting such, not to create panic and jeopardise our security arrangements”.
