Kidnap Hoax: Bayelsa Man's Desperate Ransom Ploy Exposed

Man Stages Own Kidnap, Demands N10m from Brother in Bayelsa

“The operatives of the anti-kidnapping swung into action, leading to the arrest of Frank Thompson, who hails...”

Bayelsa Police Arrest Self-Kidnapper: Biobarakumo Gamade faked abduction, demanded N10m ransom. Police recover N2m, vow to make Bayelsa safer.

The Bayelsa State Police Command has apprehended a remarkable case of alleged self-kidnapping. Biobarakumo Gamade reportedly staged his own abduction and demanded N10 million from his brother.

Gamade and his accomplice, Frank Thompson, were arrested on November 5 after collecting N2 million ransom. Commissioner of Police Alonyenu Francis Idu revealed that the case began with a report from Gemade Esua Igoniamine in October.

During the investigation, authorities scoured the area but found no surveillance footage of the kidnapping or escape. The surprising twist led to Gamade's arrest and parade at the state police command headquarters on November 6.

He said, “We got a distress call that a black jeep with military personnel kidnapped a man, we searched all our cameras, and no car of such identity was seen.

“Later, we got a call from someone who claimed to have kidnapped a victim, demanding a N10 million ransom.

“The operatives of the anti-kidnapping swung into action, leading to the arrest of Frank Thompson, who hails from Nembe Local Government Area, through the ransom that was paid.

He added, “Upon interrogation, the suspects revealed that they staged the kidnapping to enable them to collect ransom.

“They had earlier demanded for N10 million ransom, but two million naira was paid, which was used to trace them to the hotel where they had lodged outside the state.”

Commissioner of Police Alonyenu Francis Idu expressed gratitude to the people of Bayelsa, youth organizations, and partners who have collaborated with the police to combat crime. He praised their collective efforts in keeping crime and criminality at bay, particularly in areas like Sagbama and Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Areas, which have been relatively less affected by violence and armed conflict.

The Commissioner reassured Bayelsa residents that the police are committed to making the state a safe haven. This promise comes amid concerns about insecurity in the region, with issues like cultism, burglary, armed robbery, and kidnapping still prevalent. Despite these challenges, the police are determined to continue their fight against crime.

Areas of Focus:

Combating Cultism: Addressing the root causes of cultism and its impact on local communities

Property Crime Reduction: Tackling burglary and armed robbery through increased patrols and community engagement

Kidnapping Prevention: Implementing strategies to prevent and respond to kidnapping incidents

By working together with the community and partners, the police aim to create a safer Bayelsa for all residents.