Police arrest couple for alleged kidnap of online vendor in Lagos

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have apprehended a couple, Emmanuel and Mmesoma Okafor, for allegedly abducting an online vendor who had gone to deliver a product in the Iyana Ishashi area of Lagos.  

According to the command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, the incident was reported on Sunday, March 9, by the victim, who claimed she was kidnapped while attempting to complete a delivery.

Further investigations revealed that after seizing the victim, the suspects allegedly stripped her naked, physically assaulted her, and took nude pictures of her.

The police are currently investigating the case, and the suspects are expected to face charges.

Hundeyin added that the couple demanded a ransom of N2 million, threatening to leak the images if she failed to comply.

He said, “The victim received a request for a product and proceeded to the customer’s house in Iyana Ishashi. Upon arrival, the door was opened, and she was forcibly dragged inside by a man and a woman.

“The suspects were later identified as Emmanuel and Mmesoma Okafor. After dragging her into the house, they stripped her naked, beat her up, took her nude picture and asked her to pay N2 million naira or they leak the picture.”

The police spokesman further disclosed that the victim managed to pay N300,000 on the spot before she was allowed to regain her freedom, while the couple threatened to release the pictures if she failed to pay the balance.

While speaking on their arrest, Hundeyin said the victim reported the incident to the police, leading to an immediate investigation.

“The suspects were tracked and arrested. They are currently in police custody as investigations continue,” he added.