The operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a couple (name withheld) over alleged self-kidnap for N5 million ransom.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, made the disclosure on Saturday, April 29.

Hundeyin said the husband, a 53-year-old technician, and wife, a 48-year-old body massager and bone setter, were arrested on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, after a family member of the man reported the purported kidnapping.

He said the couple, who admitted to the crime, claimed they planned the self-kidnap with a view to raise N3 million to buy back their house at the Badagry area of Lagos.

“The man brought the idea and sold it to his wife. He did not deny it before the police. He said he did it through text message for a purpose. He said he did it because he wanted to re-buy his house back with N3 million.

“The man claimed he decided to organise self-kidnap because none of his brothers and sisters doing well and some living abroad are willing to assist him financially.

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“He claimed that if they hear of his kidnap with his wife, they would negotiate with the kidnappers and pay the money,” the police spokesperson quoted the man as saying.

Hundeyin noted that the couple was still living in their house in Badagry when they sent out text messages of their kidnap to their relatives, stressing that when police operatives visited the house on Tuesday, they met the wife and three children.

He said the police requested the woman to follow them to the police headquarters, Ikeja, but the woman pleaded with them to allow her come the next day (Wednesday), which was granted.

The police spokesman revealed that the woman came to the station as promised and was arrested for self-kidnap, while the husband was arrested the following day, Thursday.

“She admitted that she supported her husband in the crime. She also admitted that her husband discussed the matter with her and she gave her approval because they never thought it will turn out negative.

“The woman claimed if the plan worked out, it would have been the easiest way to raise the money to buy back their house since her husband’s brothers in UK are not willing to help him,” he added.

Hundeyin stated that the woman claimed to service an average of three clients for either bone setting or stroke massaging at the cost of about N150,000 per person depending on the condition of the patient, wondering why she could not gathered such money for the project.

The police spokesperson, however, said the couple claimed they regretted their actions, appealing to their families and police for forgiveness.

He said the suspects advised Nigerians to avoid crime and never be interested in family or another people’s wealth.

Hundeyin added the couple will be charge to court soon.

The Star