An 18-year-old student, Moses Amarks, has been arrested by the police for staging his own abduction in a bid to extort ₦50 million from his mother.
Amarks, a student of the College of Health, Kwamba, in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger State, allegedly conspired with a friend, Emmanuel Moses, to carry out the plot, reports The Nation.
On July 31, 2023, Emmanuel called Amarks’ mother, claiming her son had been kidnapped and demanding ₦50 million for his release.
According to the Maje Police Division, initial investigations led to the arrest of 22-year-old Emmanuel, who was last seen with the supposed victim.
However, the case took a dramatic turn the following day, August 1, when officers tracked Amarks to Zuba Motor Park in Abuja — alive, unhurt, and alone.
During interrogation, Amarks confessed to faking the kidnap with Emmanuel’s help. Emmanuel had contacted his brother, Jetro, in Kaduna, who arranged a hideout for them in Karji Village, Sabon-Tasha.
They stayed there for six days awaiting the ransom, but when the payment did not come through, Amarks abandoned the plan and returned.
Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend Jetro, who is currently on the run, while investigations continue.
