The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) has arrested a man identified as Andrew Paul Audu, a native of Benue State, for allegedly staging his own abduction.
Audu was reported missing on March 8, 2025, around 6 a.m., after claiming that he had been kidnapped by political rivals. He circulated messages alleging that his supposed abductors wanted to silence him ahead of local political activities.
His disappearance sparked widespread concern among his family, political supporters, and security agencies, prompting an extensive but futile search effort.
However, acting on intelligence, police operatives tracked him to Abacha Road, Abuja, where he was arrested on Friday, October 31, 2025. Officers reportedly found him relaxing with friends — far from any danger.
Investigators said inconsistencies in his story led to deeper scrutiny, revealing that he had faked his abduction to gain sympathy and possibly solicit money from supporters.
Police sources disclosed that Audu managed a Facebook page under the alias “Mallam Sheik Audu”, where he posed as a Muslim cleric and frequently posted inflammatory content targeting political figures, ethnic groups, and religious leaders.
He allegedly intended to use the false kidnap narrative to discredit political opponents and portray himself as a victim of persecution.
Audu is currently in custody at the FCID headquarters in Abuja and will face charges related to false information, criminal impersonation, and self-kidnapping.
Police said investigations are ongoing to determine if he acted alone or had collaborators in the scheme.
