Man fakes own kidnap, asks for Shs2 million ransom from family

Police in Hoima have arrested a man who allegedly faked his own kidnap. The 50-year-old suspect, a resident of Bwikya ward in Mparo Division in Hoima Municipality reportedly left his home on Thursday.

He allegedly telephoned his wife on Friday claiming that he had been kidnapped by criminals who wanted a ransom.
According to Police, the man claimed that kidnappers wanted Shs2 million ransom.

The frightened wife reported the case at Hoima central Police station.
The Albertine regional police spokesperson, Mr Julius Hakiza said the man’s relatives and friends mobilized the Shs2 million ransom and wired it to his mobile money phone number.
Detectives continued with a man hunt for the ‘kidnapped’ man even after the money was sent to his number.

Detectives who were investigating the case said he would regularly move between Hoima town and Kyankwanzi District by boda boda either at night or very early morning.
On Sunday night, the man was reportedly tracked and located in Butebere village, Buhanika Sub County in Hoima District.
The Police flying squad found him feasting with friends purportedly in celebration of his release by the kidnappers.

Mr Hakiza said upon being searched, police found him with Shs1.5 million which is believed to have been part of the Shs2 million that he received on his phone number as ransom from his family.
It is alleged that he had already paid part of the money to the boda boda cyclist who was transporting him to various locations.
Police say the man faked his kidnap in order to get ransom which he intended to use to clear an outstanding debt with a financial institution in Hoima Town.

He is detained at Hoima central police station where Police has preferred charges of obtaining money by false pretence against him.
Security agencies are reportedly on high alert to curb the escalating cases of murder and kidnap in the country.
In a recent incident, Susan Magara, 28 who was a cashier at Bwendero dairy farm was abducted in Kampala on February 7.
She was murdered and dumped at Kitiko between Kigo and Kajjansi along the Entebbe expressway after being held for about 20 days.

The Monitor

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