Police Bust Alleged Staged Kidnap Plot, Rescue Two-Year-Old Child
Nigeria Police say suspects allegedly staged the abduction of a two-year-old child and demanded millions of naira in ransom before the child was safely rescued.
The Nigeria Police Force says it has uncovered an alleged staged kidnapping involving a two-year-old child, identified as Rito Jesse Davou. Operatives of the Intelligence Response Team reportedly launched an investigation after the child was reported missing, eventually leading to the arrest of suspects connected to the case.
According to police, a 34-year-old suspect, Nansik Wuyep Sule, allegedly conspired with the child’s biological mother, Catherine Davou, to create the impression that the child had been abducted. Investigators said an initial ransom demand of ₦7 million was allegedly made in connection with the reported kidnapping.
Police said further investigations revealed that the child was allegedly kept at Sule’s residence, after which the ransom demand reportedly increased to ₦15 million. Another suspect, Luka Emmanuel Butdam, was also arrested over allegations that he made calls to the child’s grandmother in connection with the ransom demand.
The two-year-old was subsequently located and safely rescued by police. Authorities said the child received medical attention before being handed over to the biological father. The suspects remain accused, and the allegations are subject to investigation and the legal process.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, police also reported the arrest of suspects linked to an alleged kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate. Investigators said the operations reflect continuing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and identify other individuals who may be connected to related cases.
