The Edo State Police Command has raised the alarm over a growing trend of self-kidnapping and fake ransom demands across parts of the state, especially in Ekpoma and surrounding communities.

The warning was issued on Wednesday in Benin City through a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika.

According to the statement, several individuals have been staging their own abductions and demanding ransom from their families, creating fear, panic, and unnecessary pressure on security agencies.

The police revealed that the trend is particularly common in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area, where two suspects have already been arrested in connection with separate cases.

The suspects were identified as 18-year-old Obehi Odine and 34-year-old Idris Isiaka.

Odine was arrested by officers of the Ekpoma Division along Old INEC Road on Monday, January 12, 2026, after allegedly faking her own abduction and demanding a ransom of ₦10 million from her family.

In a similar case, Isiaka, a vulcaniser from Kogi State, was arrested on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Emaudo, Ekpoma. He was accused of masterminding his own kidnapping and demanding ₦12 million in ransom.

The police said Isiaka went as far as spreading news of his supposed abduction on social media through a blogger. His family in Kogi State was reportedly contacted and threatened with his death if the ransom was not paid.

His brother eventually sold personal property to raise part of the ransom, which was later shared among Isiaka and two accomplices, Mohammed Saliu and Godwin Mohammed, who are currently on the run.

The Commissioner of Police confirmed that Isiaka has confessed to the crime and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.

Agbonika also praised the youths of Ekpoma for providing timely information that helped the police make the arrests, describing their cooperation as vital to the success of the operation.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by sharing useful intelligence whenever suspicious activities are noticed.

Speaking on the broader issue, the Commissioner said the Command has intensified intelligence-led operations to clamp down on the disturbing trend.

“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of the increasing cases of individuals staging their own kidnappings and making false ransom demands, particularly within Ekpoma and its environs,” he said.

“We strongly warn anyone engaging in or planning such acts to desist immediately. These crimes cause unnecessary panic, waste security resources, and will be treated as serious criminal offences. Anyone involved will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.”

He further called on youths and community members to continue supporting security initiatives by promoting peace and cooperating with lawful efforts to protect lives and property across Edo State.