‘Constructive Kidnapping’: Police Uncovers New Kidnappers Modus-operandi in Lagos

Kehinde Adeleye

The Lagos State Police Command has identified a new form of kidnapping, referred to as ‘Constructive Kidnapping,’ where unsuspecting women are lured by kidnappers posing as online friends or romantic interests.

This alarming trend has resulted in the rescue of 16 victims from various parts of the state, as reported by the police command.

In a separate case, a 15-year-old girl was rescued after allegedly conspiring with her boyfriend to demand ransom from her parents while falsely claiming to have been kidnapped.

According to Lagos State Police Commissioner Olawale Ishola, the ‘Constructive Kidnapping’ modus operandi involves kidnappers befriending potential victims on social media platforms to gain their trust.

Once a connection is established, the kidnappers invite the victims to Lagos under the pretense of a romantic meeting.

Upon arrival, the victims are held captive in various locations within the state, with their captors demanding ransom from their families.

The police command has successfully carried out rescue operations and arrested several suspects involved in these schemes between September 2024 and January 2025.

These kidnappers according to the command would send substantial amounts of money, up to N500,000, to their 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 them if their demands are not met.

According to the CP, ” 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’ve 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 members of the public, especially ladies to be cautious when interacting with strangers online, advising members of the public to say something when they see something.

Similarly, the command 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.

According to CP Ishola, ” 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”.