Police in Lagos, Nigeria have arrested a couple who allegedly faked their own kidnapping to extort N5million from their family

Police in Lagos, Nigeria have arrested a couple who allegedly faked their own kidnapping to extort N5million from their family.

The husband and wife, a 53-year-old technician and a 48-year-old masseuse and bone setter, were arrested on 11 September. A family member of the man had reported the purported kidnapping to the authorities.

The couple admitted to the crime and said they planned the kidnapping with a view to raising N3m to buy back their house in the Badagry area of Lagos. They claimed that financially capable brothers and sisters abroad would become involved in negotiations with the kidnappers.