A 38-year-old man, an Ivorian national, Kacou Alleby, alleged to have staged his own kidnap to extort his family in Côte d’Ivoire, has been arrested in Ogun State, Nigeria.
Another Ivorian national arrested
One Angela Arisa, a 28-year-old woman, also an Ivorian national, was also taken into police custody for allegedly conspiring with him.
The mission embarked upon followed a distress request received from the INTERPOL National Central Bureau, NCB Abuja on behalf of authorities in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Meanwhile, efforts are underway to arrest other fleeing suspects who allegedly aided in producing fake torture videos.
Police say the victim was reported to have been kidnapped and held hostage on September 12, 2025.
Thereafter, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun-led Nigeria Police Force, immediately issued directives to the Intelligence Response Team, IRT operatives to rescue the foreign national.
The team who then promptly launched a coordinated operation led to intelligence gathering.
According to CSP. Benjamin Hundeyin, the Force Public Relations Officer disclosed that the location of the suspects was found in Matogun area of Ogun State.
Thereafter, a female suspect was initially arrested and she later led the operatives to a hideout at an estate in Olambe, Ogun State, where the supposed kidnap victim was rescued unhurt.
According to information by the Police, the suspects had recorded torture videos and voice notes pressuring the family for a ransom.
The Police strongly condemns such criminal conduct and reiterated that self-kidnap is a serious crime under Nigerian law.
IGP Egbetokun further warned that criminal elements will face the full weight of the law, as such acts not only undermine security but also attempt to tarnish the image of the country.
