The Edo State Police Command has expressed concern over the growing trend of individuals staging their own kidnapping and making false ransom demands, particularly within Ekpoma and its environs.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem says the Command has intensified intelligence-led investigations and enforcement actions to curb the situation.

The command commended youths in Ekpoma, for their efforts and cooperation which led to the arrest of one Obehi Odine and one Idris Isiaka, who were reported to have staged their own abduction.

The statement recalled that one Obehi Odine was apprehended a few days ago at Ekpoma Division for staging her own kidnap and demanding for ransom of Ten Million Naira (10,000,000), while a similar incident was recorded in Emaudo, Ekpoma where one Idris Isiaka ‘m’, a 34-year-old vulcanizer of Balogun Street, Emaudo Community, Ekpoma, deliberately staged his own kidnap along with two others on Saturday, 10/01/2026.

The command noted that the action of the youths in Ekpoma should be emulated, as it underscores the importance of community safety partnership in effective policing.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, warned individuals engaging in or contemplating self-kidnapping to desist from such acts, as they not only constitute serious criminal offences, but also create unnecessary panic.

He reaffirmed that the Edo State Police Command is committed to stamping out the ugly trend, adding that anyone who engages in such callous acts will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.