Cameroon: 28-year-old fakes own kidnapping, demands 3Million from family

The population of Banock, a neighborhood in Mbouda, West region of Cameroon are still to come with the news of a 28-year-old who faked his own kidnap in order to extort 3Million FCFA (5047USD) from family members.

The young man was assisted by two friends. Their main role was to contact the family to demand the ransom, MMI has learned.

“It was during a funeral that he told me about his plans to dupe his family. He assured me that he would bear the consequences. My own role was to make calls,” revealed one of the friends who was part of the scam.

In order to convince the father that he was truly in danger, the young man cut one of his fingers which was later sent to his father, insisting that the 3million should be paid “or else he would be killed.”

An investigation by security forces led to the arrest of the young man at a health unit. His arrest also facilitated the arrest of his friends (accomplices).

“The father had given the sum of 150, 000 FCFA out of the 3 Million FCFA demanded. That was when we learned the kidnap was planned by the son…” said Chief Warrant Officer, Major BAKOA Oscar, Commander Gendarmerie Brigade, Mbouda.

The two friends are currently detained at the Mbouda Gendarmerie, while the young man is still at a medical facility, receiving treatment.

By Amina Hilda