The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered a disturbing case of staged abduction involving a 14-year-old girl who disappeared along with her 4-year-old sister in Katsina State. The plot, masterminded by the teenager, led to a four-month search before she resurfaced and confessed to faking the kidnapping with help from three accomplices.
The case was first reported on February 20, 2025, by Alhaji Badamasi Bala, a resident of Madaci Yan Nono Quarters in Katsina. He informed the police that both girls had vanished without a trace, sparking panic across the community and an extensive investigation by the Katsina State Police Command.
According to a statement released on Saturday, June 21, by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the teenage girl reappeared four months later and admitted to planning her own disappearance. She told investigators that she had enlisted three individuals aged 25, 19, and 16 to assist in executing the plot.
Police confirmed that all suspects have now been arrested, and the younger sister, who was held throughout the staged ordeal, was rescued unharmed. The motive behind the fake abduction is still under investigation, although officers believe the plan may have been aimed at extorting ransom or escaping from parental authority.
The revelation has left many in Katsina State stunned, with community leaders calling for urgent parental sensitization and deeper investigations into how such a young girl could execute such a sophisticated deception. Authorities also warned the public about the growing trend of staged crimes and the influence of social media and peer pressure on teenagers.
ACP Adejobi emphasized that the Police remain committed to protecting lives and property, and assured the public that all involved will face appropriate legal consequences. He praised the swift action of the Katsina State Command and the intelligence teams who cracked the case after months of careful surveillance.
The case is expected to be transferred to the appropriate juvenile and criminal courts for prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law. Meanwhile, the police are urging parents to monitor their children closely and to engage more in discussions about online safety, peer influence, and moral responsibility.
