By DAYO ADESULU
The Lagos State Police Command has exposed a new and alarming trend of kidnapping, dubbed ‘Constructive Kidnapping’, where unsuspecting women are lured by kidnappers posing as online friends or lovers.
‘Constructive Kidnapping’ Modus Operandi
According to CP Olawale Ishola, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, the kidnappers operate with a mix of deception and manipulation.
- Online Targeting: The kidnappers first connect with victims on social media, posing as affluent individuals seeking romantic relationships or friendships.
- Financial Enticements: To win trust, they send substantial sums of money—up to ₦500,000—and provide business-class flight tickets to Lagos.
- Lavish Treatment: Victims are received in Lagos and taken to five-star hotels, reinforcing the illusion of luxury and safety.
- Kidnapping and Extortion: Upon arrival, the victims’ phones are confiscated, and their money is forcibly transferred to the kidnappers. The kidnappers then contact the victims’ families, demanding ransom under threats of harm.
CP Ishola stated, “It is termed ‘constructive’ because the victims unwittingly walk into the traps set for them. So far, 16 ladies have been rescued from this scheme.”
Cautionary Advice
The Police Command urges the public, especially women, to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online. CP Ishola emphasized:
- Verify the identity of individuals met online.
- Avoid accepting extravagant gifts or trips from unverified persons.
- Report suspicious activities to law enforcement.
“If you see something, say something,” the Commissioner advised.
Other Kidnapping Incidents
In another case, the command rescued a 15-year-old girl, Anuoluwapo Victoria, who allegedly conspired with her boyfriend to stage her own kidnapping.
- Details: The girl left home on January 8, 2025. By January 9, her family began receiving ransom demands, accompanied by account details for payments.
- Outcome: Police traced her to her boyfriend’s residence, where she was found with a baby.
CP Ishola stressed the importance of vigilance, stating that such incidents highlight the complex dynamics of kidnapping crimes in the state.
Recent Police Achievements
The Lagos Police Command continues to make strides in combating crime, including:
- Dismantling gangs targeting Uber drivers.
- Tackling insecurity in collaboration with local vigilante groups.
- Recovering victims from various criminal schemes.
