The Niger State Police Command has arrested two men for allegedly staging a self-kidnap to extort money from their associates.

The suspects, identified as Ahmed Alh. Bura, 21, of Bauchi State, and Shafiu Ibrahim, 22, of Makujeri, were taken into custody following an investigation that also uncovered their involvement in a fraudulent Ponzi-style scheme.

Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, noting that the suspects conspired to demand a ₦7 million ransom after disappearing during a car drifting show in the Mandela area of Minna.

“Findings indicated that they both conspired to disappear and requested ransom from their colleagues,” Abiodun said.

According to him, the arrests were made with the aid of technical intelligence after earlier operations led to the apprehension of nine other suspects and the recovery of 21 SIM cards. These were allegedly used in fraudulent online activities under the guise of a network marketing group known as Quest Int’l Company.

The command revealed that the scheme positioned victims as Independent Representatives (IRs) tasked with recruiting more unsuspecting members of the public.

Abiodun added that the two suspects are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna, and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, just like their accomplices who were earlier remanded.