By Esther Ososanya
In a disturbing case of betrayal and manipulation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested two sisters and their two accomplices for staging a fake kidnapping in a bid to extort ₦5 million from their own father.
The suspects, including 16-year-old Lead Way Innocent, her elder sister Joy Innocent, Mr Mayowa Adedeji (Joy’s boyfriend), and his wife Mrs Tina Mayowa, are currently in custody after a covert police operation exposed the carefully planned scheme.
According to police reports, on July 30, 2025, Mr Innocent, a resident of Jikwoyi Phase II, reported his daughter missing after she failed to return from an exam at Government Secondary School, Karu. Days later, he received a distressing phone call from unknown persons demanding ransom for her release.
Acting swiftly, officers from the Jikwoyi Division deployed digital tracking and intelligence-gathering techniques, tracing the call to a residence within the same area. To their surprise, they found the supposedly abducted Lead Way relaxing and eating in the company of Mrs Tina Mayowa, showing no signs of distress.
Further investigations revealed a shocking conspiracy: Joy Innocent had collaborated with her boyfriend, Mr Adedeji, and his wife, Tina, to stage her sister’s abduction. Astonishingly, Lead Way was fully aware and willingly participated in the plan, while Joy stayed at home and feigned worry as their father scrambled to raise the ransom.
“The suspects have all confessed to the crime and will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation,” said SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson of the FCT Police Command.
Reacting to the case, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Sunday Adewale, described the act as a gross abuse of trust and warned that exploiting family ties for criminal gain would not be tolerated.
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“This kind of betrayal within a family is deeply troubling,” the CP said. “We urge parents to monitor their children closely, not just physically, but emotionally, and foster open, honest communication at home.”
The public is advised to report all suspicious activity to FCT Police via provided emergency lines
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
