The Lagos State Police Command has revealed a case involving a staged kidnapping by a 20-year-old student, Collins Ikwebe, alongside five of his schoolmates. The scheme involved demands for over $700,000 in ransom.
The incident came to public attention on Saturday following a viral social media post by a friend of one of the suspects. The post, by user 888 @FlackoT on X, detailed a distressing situation: “Guys, I’m locked up in Ikeja Police Station. Someone faked his kidnapping and requested a ransom from his dad. They tracked his phone. I genuinely knew nothing about it.”
The user further expressed fears of a prolonged legal battle, stating, “His dad came to the station and requested his release but they insisted on taking the case to court which could take up to three years to resolve.”
In response, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the details. "Following a report from his family, our investigation established that 20-year-old Collins Oluchukwu Ikwebe faked his own kidnap,” Hundeyin stated.
The investigation revealed a complex scheme with multiple ransom demands. “Collins’ father received several calls from his number, with different voices giving instructions on the amounts and methods of payment,” Hundeyin explained. The amounts ranged from $500,000 to as low as N30,000.
The breakthrough occurred on June 20, 2024, when detectives raided a four-bedroom apartment in Lekki, where Collins and five of his schoolmates had been staying. The investigation continues to determine the involvement of the other individuals.
“For now, none of the suspects has been exonerated,” Hundeyin emphasized.
