The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a new trend of kidnapping, dubbed ‘Constructive Kidnapping’. This new trend is where unsuspecting ladies are lured by kidnappers posing as internet friends and lovers, the police said.
According to the Command, the kidnapper had already already ensnared 16 ladies from various parts of Lagos State. Though the victims were fortunate to be rescued by the police Command.
Also, in a related event, a 15-year-old girl was rescued after allegedly conspiring with her boyfriend to demand ransom from her parents. The girl pretended to have been kidnapped.
According to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Olawale Ishola, the ‘Constructive kidnapping, is the new trend used by the kidnappers’ in the State.
Ishola made this disclosure while briefing journalists during the weekend.
Addressing the newsmen, the Commissioner noted that the Command made some breakthrough between September 2024 and January 2025. He stated that kidnapper became cunning and ruthless in the operations.
Ishola said, “The kidnappers as gathered, begin by tagging their potential victims as friends on social media platforms. By establishing a false sense of acquaintance. Once the victim’s guard is lowered, the kidnappers invite them to Lagos. Often under the guise of a romantic rendezvous.
“These kidnappers 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 kill them if their demands are not met,” the CP narrated.
“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. They also threaten 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,” Ishola said.
The Commissioner, therefore, warned members of the public, especially ladies to be cautious when interacting with strangers online. He admonished members of the public to say something when they see something.
Similarly, Ishola also explained how a 14-year-old girl with an undisclosed identity who was reported to have been kidnapped. The girl, was, however, traced to her boyfriend’s abode, with a baby.
“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,” the CP said.
source: Vanguard
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