Nwoko Calls for Tougher Punishment Against Fake Kidnappings

Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has called on security agencies to ensure that individuals who stage their own kidnappings face severe penalties.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, Nwoko expressed concern over the rising trend of staged abductions, describing it as reckless, criminal, and alien to the values of the people of Delta North.

The lawmaker recounted how he recently received a distress call about a young man allegedly kidnapped in Aniocha North. A viral video showed the man in a forest, prompting Nwoko to mobilise the police and local vigilantes for a rescue. However, investigations later revealed that the supposed victim had faked his abduction.

“This is a reckless and criminal act. It traumatises families, wastes vital security resources, erodes public trust, and trivialises the suffering of genuine victims,” Nwoko said.

He insisted that culprits must face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent and to ensure that such deceit does not take root in Nigerian society.