In Bayelsa State, police have arrested a man who allegedly faked his own kidnapping in a plot to demand a hefty ransom from his own family.
The suspect, identified as Biobarakumo Gamade, reportedly collaborated with an accomplice, Frank Thompson, to orchestrate the staged abduction, requesting a ransom of N10 million from his brother. Their scheme unraveled when authorities tracked them down after an initial payment was made.
The arrest took place on November 5th, following a report from Mr. Gemade Esua Igoniamine, a relative of the suspect, who initially reported Gamade’s disappearance in October. The Bayelsa State Police Commissioner, Alonyenu Francis Idu, provided details during a media briefing at the police command headquarters.
He shared that the police had promptly investigated the reported kidnapping, utilizing surveillance to trace the alleged abduction site. Despite efforts, no evidence of a black jeep with supposed military markings – described in the kidnapping report – was detected on security cameras.
The police received a call from someone claiming to be the kidnapper, demanding a ransom for Gamade’s release. Commissioner Idu explained, “We got a distress call that a black jeep with military personnel kidnapped a man; we searched all our cameras, and no car of such identity was seen. Later, we got a call from someone who claimed to have kidnapped a victim, demanding a N10 million ransom.
“The operatives of the anti-kidnapping swung into action, leading to the arrest of Frank Thompson, who hails from Nembe Local Government Area, through the ransom that was paid.
He added: “Upon interrogation, the suspects revealed that they staged the kidnapping to enable them to collect ransom.
“They had earlier demanded for N10 m random, but two million naira was paid, which was used to trace them to the hotel where they had lodged outside the state.”
The Commissioner of Police used the medium to appreciate Bayelsans, youth groups, and other partners who have joined the command in ensuring crime and criminality are nipped in the bud.
He assured residents that the police will not stop in the fight of making Bayelsa a safe place.
