* Rescue 16 victims in Lagos
The police in Lagos have uncovered a new trend of kidnapping known as ‘Constructive Kidnapping’, whereby unsuspecting ladies are lured by kidnappers posing as Internet friends and lovers.
This sinister scheme has already ensnared 16 ladies from various parts of the State, who were fortunate to be rescued by police operatives.
In another shocking case, a 15-year-old girl was rescued after allegedly conspiring with her boyfriend to demand ransom from her parents, while feigning kidnap.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Olawale Ishola, while briefing journalists at the weekend on the command’s breakthrough between September 2024 and January 2025, said for the ‘Constructive kidnapping, the kidnappers’ modus operandi, is as cunning as it is ruthless.
The kidnappers, he said, begin by tagging their potential victims as friends on social media platforms, establishing a false sense of acquaintance. Once the victim’s guard is lowered, the kidnappers invite them to Lagos, often under the guise of a romantic rendezvous.
The kidnappers, according to the police chief, would send substantial amounts of money – sometimes as much as N500,000 – to their potential victims, as well as cover their flight expenses to Lagos.
Upon arrival, the unsuspecting victims are taken to five-star hotels, where their phones are seized, and money transferred out. The kidnappers then contact the victim’s relatives, demanding ransom and threatening to kill them if their demands are not met.
The CP said: “It is Constructive Kidnapping because you have a scenario where a lady is lured from her safe space to Lagos by a group of boys or a single individual. They make it enticing by sending a business-class flight ticket – N500,000 – and booking a luxurious five-star hotel. The victim feels like they’ve ‘arrived,’ unaware that it’s all a ruse.
“I have rescued at least 16 ladies from this trap. As soon as they arrive, the kidnappers mess the ladies up, seize their phones, transfer their money, and contact their relatives to demand more ransom, threatening to kill the victim if their demands aren’t met. It’s termed ‘constructive’ because the victims unwittingly walk into the trap set for them. However, we’re always one step ahead.”
He, therefore, warned residents, especially ladies, to be cautious when interacting online with strangers, advising residents to speak out against suspicious moves.
The police boss also explained how a 14-year-old girl with an undisclosed identity who was reported to have been kidnapped, was traced to her boyfriend’s abode, with a baby.
CP Ishola said: “On January 8, 2025, a complainant reported that her daughter Anuoluwapo Victoria, 15 years left home to an unknown destination, that on January 9, 2025, she received a phone call and an account was sent for her to pay ransom for the released of her daughter.
“They have been sending money to the account until we were able to apprehend her and her boyfriend on Friday night. She was with a baby.”
* Media Report