One of the suspects, Ahmed Alh Bura, conspired with his so-called "abductor" Shafiu Ibrahim, to extract ransom from their associates.
Two persons who engaged in self-kidnapping to extort money from family members have been arrested.
The duo, Shafiu Ibrahim and Ahmed Alh Bura are now in the custody of the Niger State Police Command.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 said the arrest is a part of investigation that led to the recovery of 21 SIM cards from a group operating a fraudulent scheme involving Ponzi-style activities.
The command had earlier arrested nine suspects in connection with the incident.
According to the PPRO, one of the suspects, Ahmed Alh Bura, conspired with his so-called "abductor" Shafiu Ibrahim, to extract ransom from their associates.
"In a follow-up investigation on a case of suspected kidnapping reported at Tudun-Wada Div on September 2nd, 2025 where nine persons were arrested with 21 SIM cards recovered from one Suleiman Dauda of Mandela area and Salisu Dauda of Sahuka Kahuta, Minna,” the statement read.
"Further investigation revealed that the SIM cards were being used for fraudulent internet activities disguised as network marketing for an unknown body called "Quest Int'l Company".
"The suspects earlier arrested were also discovered to have invested and they were given the positions of Independent Representatives (IR) for the purpose of recruiting more unsuspecting members of the public into the illegal investment.
"However, with the aid of technical intelligence, the alleged kidnap victim Ahmed Alh. Bura 21yrs of Bauchi State and his so-called "abductor" Shafiu Ibrahim 22yrs of Makujeri were arrested on September 17th, 2025 at Shafiu residence in Makujeri.
"Findings indicated that they all attended a car drifting show at Mandela area, while these two conspired to disappear, and requested for ransom of seven million naira from their colleagues.
“The two suspects are in custody under investigation in SCID Minna and they will be charged to court for prosecution, just like others who were also remanded by the court.”