Lagos Police Deny Kidnapping Attempt in Victory Estate, Say Men Were Visiting a Friend

The Lagos State Police Command has refuted viral reports claiming that a kidnapping attempt took place in Victory Estate, Okota.

A video circulating on social media showed three men being interrogated by residents, with the suspects allegedly admitting they had come to the estate to abduct someone. The footage sparked widespread fear and speculation.

However, in an official statement released Monday evening, Lagos State Police spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin clarified the situation, stating that the claims of a kidnapping attempt were false.

"In response to the viral video, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, held a fact-finding meeting with the Chairman, Chief Security Officer, two other residents of Victory Estate, and one of the men alleged to be involved," Hundeyin said.

According to the estate chairman and security officials, the three men in the video were not kidnappers. Investigations confirmed that they had come to visit a friend who was also present at the CP’s meeting. The confusion arose after an altercation between the men and a tricycle rider escalated, causing panic within the estate.

“The video is false, misleading, and malicious, designed to incite fear and apprehension among residents,” the police statement added.

Meanwhile, the viral footage showed the three men—identified as Ifeanyi (from Anambra State), Stanley Emmanuel aka "Davido" (from Imo State), and Sadiq (from Kwara State)—being stripped and flogged by residents. During the interrogation, they appeared to confess to planning a kidnapping but later vowed not to return to the area.