The Lagos State Police Command has revealed a disturbing new kidnapping strategy targeting unsuspecting young women. This scheme, dubbed “Constructive Kidnapping,” involves criminals posing as internet friends or lovers to lure victims into dangerous traps. So far, 16 women have fallen into their hands but were fortunately rescued by the police.
The plot begins with the kidnappers befriending their targets on social media platforms. They charm the victims with sweet talk, posing as wealthy and romantic prospects. Once trust is gained, the victims are invited to Lagos under the pretense of a glamorous getaway or a romantic meeting. To make their offer irresistible, these criminals often send large sums of money—up to N500,000—and even pay for first-class flight tickets and five-star hotel bookings.
However, upon arrival in Lagos, the situation takes a terrifying turn. Victims have their phones confiscated, and their funds are siphoned off. The kidnappers then contact the victims’ families, demanding hefty ransoms with threats of harm if their demands aren’t met.
According to CP Olawale Ishola of the Lagos State Police Command, this deceptive scheme is termed “Constructive Kidnapping” because the victims unknowingly walk into the trap. He explained, “The kidnappers make the entire setup look enticing, from sending money to booking luxurious hotels. These young women feel like they’ve ‘made it,’ unaware that they’re walking into danger. We’ve rescued at least 16 ladies so far from this trap.”
The Commissioner urged the public, especially young women, to be vigilant when dealing with strangers online. He stressed the importance of reporting suspicious activities, saying, “If you see something, say something.”
A Shocking Twist: A Girl’s Fake Kidnapping for Ransom
In another startling case, a 15-year-old girl allegedly conspired with her boyfriend to stage her own kidnapping. The teenager, identified as Anuoluwapo Victoria, left home on January 8, 2025, and was later reported missing by her mother. The next day, the girl’s family received a ransom demand with bank account details for payment.
Her family had already sent money multiple times before the police tracked her down. The teenager was found at her boyfriend’s residence, along with a baby. CP Ishola revealed, “We apprehended the girl and her boyfriend on Friday night. The young girl had been reported kidnapped, but it turned out to be a ploy to extort money from her parents.”
Public Caution
The Lagos State Police Command has intensified efforts to combat these alarming trends. The authorities are calling on the public to exercise extreme caution while interacting with strangers online and to report suspicious incidents immediately. These cases underscore the need for heightened awareness and vigilance in the face of such cunning and manipulative schemes.
