The Force Criminal Investigation Department (F-CID) has arrested a Benue-born man, Andrew Paul Audu, for allegedly faking his own kidnap in a desperate bid to gain political sympathy and discredit perceived rivals.
Audu was declared missing on March 8, 2025, after claiming he had been abducted by political opponents seeking to silence him ahead of local political activities. His alleged abduction, widely circulated on social media, sparked panic among supporters, relatives, and security operatives, leading to a massive but futile search.
However, after weeks of investigation ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, operatives tracked and arrested him on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Abacha Road, Abuja, where he was reportedly seen relaxing with friends, enjoying grilled fish and beer.
Police investigations revealed that the suspect, who operate on Facebook under the alias “Mallam Sheik Audu,” had been using the account to spread hate speech, fake news, and provocative religious posts that contradict Islamic teachings.
Security sources said Audu’s motive was to frame his political opponents, attract public sympathy, and possibly extort funds from supporters through fake ransom demands.
He is currently in F-CID custody in Abuja and will be charged for kidnapping and abduction, offences that are non-bailable under Nigerian law.
Police authorities confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to determine whether others were involved in the scheme.
Details later…
