Nigerian Man Fakes Kidnapping to Dodge Loan Sharks

E. A., a 41-year-old man from Irolo-Remo in Ogun State, Nigeria is in even more trouble now than when he conceived a desperate plan to escape his gambling debts over what appeared to be a small sum.

Man Goes to Desperate Lengths to Avoid Gambling Debt

The man was arrested by police officers who found out that the A. had faked his own kidnapping in a bid to avoid paying 1 million Nigerian naira, roughly $600, he owed to a lottery operator.

A. had been also a regular gambler, who had enjoyed a spot of good luck before his downturn and subsequent act of desperation.

By playing the lottery, A. was able to win enough money to buy a Toyota Corolla, local media news reports said, but he quickly ran out of luck, with the needle moving the opposite way.

Before long, A. had already run into debt, and he concocted a plan that would have allowed him to rid himself of his debt by – of all things – calling in to his wife to request a ransom payment.

Faking his kidnapping, he arranged to contact his wife, who immediately notified the authorities of the local Amotekun Corps.

A.’s wife was none the wiser about the actual scheme. However, police officers were skeptical, having found out about his gambling past. A. told his wife that the kidnappers requested 5 million Naira ransom, or roughly $3,000.

Rushed to the Hospital after Suspected Suicide Attempt

A. had not ventured far from home, however, and was tracked locally in Ijagba, and then eventually located in Ota. A. was then transferred to the Rufina Private Hospital in Iperu for treatment, because police suspected that he may have breathed insecticide as an attempted suicide.

At the time of the reporting, A. was still treated, but the police confirmed that once his condition is stable, he will be booked, and further proceedings will be open against him.