Katsina Teen Fakes Kidnap, Plots Sister’s Abduction To Demand ₦50m Ransom

The Katsina State Police Command has uncovered a disturbing kidnapping plot involving a 14-year-old girl who allegedly conspired with three others to abduct her four-year-old sister and fake her own kidnapping in a bid to extort a ₦50 million ransom from their family.

The Command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq, revealed the details during a press briefing on Wednesday, outlining the command’s operations for May 2025.

According to the police, the incident was initially reported on February 20, 2025, by Alhaji Badamasi Bala of Madaci Yan Nono Quarters, Katsina, who alerted authorities that his two daughters, aged 14 and 4, were missing. A ransom demand of ₦50 million followed shortly after.

Upon receiving the report, Commissioner of Police CP Bello Shehu instructed the anti-kidnapping unit to begin a thorough investigation. After nearly four months, the 14-year-old girl reappeared and, during questioning, confessed to orchestrating the entire incident with three accomplices.

The police arrested the other suspects—aged 25, 19, and 16—shortly after the confession. The four-year-old girl was successfully rescued and found unharmed.

Authorities also recovered one live round of 7.62mm ammunition from the suspects. The investigation is ongoing.

Commissioner Bello Shehu praised the investigative team for their swift and effective action and encouraged residents to continue supporting the police by reporting suspicious activities to enhance public safety.