The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a disturbing new trend in kidnapping, referred to as ‘Constructive Kidnapping,’ in which unsuspecting women are lured by kidnappers posing as online friends or romantic partners.
This dangerous scheme has already ensnared 16 women from across the state, all of whom were fortunate to be rescued by the police, according to the command’s statement. In a separate case, a 15-year-old girl was rescued after allegedly conspiring with her boyfriend to fake her kidnapping and demand ransom from her parents.
The modus operandi of the ‘Constructive Kidnapping,’ as detailed by the Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, CP Olawale Ishola, who briefed journalists over the weekend on the command’s successes between September 2024 and January 2025, is both deceptive and ruthless.
The kidnappers typically start by connecting with potential victims on social media, posing as friends to establish a false sense of familiarity. Once the victim’s trust is gained, they are invited to Lagos, often under the pretense of a romantic meeting.
The kidnappers would send significant sums of money—up to N500,000—to their victims, covering their flight costs to Lagos. Upon arrival, the women are taken to luxurious hotels, where their phones are confiscated, and their funds are transferred. The kidnappers then contact the victim’s family, demanding ransom and threatening harm if their demands are not met.
According to the CP, ” It is Constructive kidnapping because you have a scenario where a lady is lured from her safe space to Lagos by a group of boys or a single individual. They make it enticing by sending a business-class flight ticket, N500,000, and booking a luxurious five-star hotel. The victim feels like they’ve ‘arrived,’ unaware that it’s all a ruse.
” I’ve rescued at least 16 ladies from this trap. As soon as they arrive, the kidnappers mess the ladies up, seize their phones, transfer their money, and contact their relatives to demand more ransom, threatening to kill the victim if their demands aren’t met. It’s termed ‘constructive’ because the victims unwittingly walk into the trap set for them. However, we’re always one step ahead.”
He, therefore, warned members of the public, especially ladies to be cautious when interacting with strangers online, advising members of the public to say something when they see something.
Similarly, the command boss also explained how a 14-year-old girl with an undisclosed identity who was reported to have been kidnapped, was traced to her boyfriend’s abode, with a baby.
According to CP Ishola, ” On January 8, 2025, a complainant reported that her daughter Anuoluwapo Victoria, 15 years left home to an unknown destination, that on January 9, 2025, she received a phone call and an account was sent for her to pay ransom for the released of her daughter.
“They have been sending money to the account until we were able to apprehend her and her boyfriend on Friday night. She was with a baby”.
