A Lagos-based couple, identified as Fred and Goodness, have been arrested for allegedly faking their own kidnapping and extorting N10 million from family and friends.

According to sources, the couple staged the abduction on January 7 to raise funds for the husband, who reportedly planned to return to the United States due to financial difficulties.

A police insider revealed that the suspects contacted relatives on both sides of the family, claiming they had been kidnapped and demanding ransom.

“The couple faked their kidnapping, asking friends and families to contribute towards the ransom. The husband wanted to travel back to the US, but they lacked financial support, so they planned this together as a way to raise money,” the source explained.

Another police source said the couple had arranged for the ransom to be delivered at a school in Cappa, Mushin, Lagos.

“Operatives monitoring the area saw the woman enter the premises alone, followed shortly by the man. Suspicion arose when both later emerged together carrying a bag. The operatives stopped them, searched the bag, and discovered the ransom money, leading to their arrest. The wife admitted that she had encouraged her husband to orchestrate the scheme,” the source added.

The suspects were handed over to the police, and investigations confirmed the incident was a case of self-kidnapping.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Addebisi, confirmed the arrest and stated, “The couple will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”

This case adds to a growing number of self-orchestrated abductions. In December 2025, a 26-year-old woman, identified as Misturah, was arrested for allegedly staging her own abduction and extorting N2.5 million from her husband.