Man 'Kidnaps' Himself for ₦20,000 Ransom, Sparks Outrage and Laughter Online

In what may go down as one of the most bizarre stories to grace the Nigerian internet space this year, a young man has found himself in hot water after allegedly faking his own kidnapping and demanding a ransom of just ₦20,000. Yes, you read that right—twenty thousand naira.

The strange incident, which quickly turned viral, was brought to public attention via a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) by user @Akinjoshua2017. In the clip, a visibly embarrassed man is being interrogated and ridiculed after reportedly being caught for staging the entire ordeal. According to the narration, he faked his own abduction in a poorly planned scheme aimed at extorting the laughable sum from his family or acquaintances.

“You kidnap yourself and ask for ₦20k ransom. Very upcoming kidnapper,” the video poster sarcastically captioned the footage, a jab that encapsulated the disbelief and mockery that followed the unfolding drama.

The internet, always swift to react, erupted into a frenzy of jokes, criticism, and disbelief. The video, which has since been viewed tens of thousands of times, invited a tidal wave of comments ranging from humorous takes to deeply critical jabs about the state of the economy, desperation, and the lengths to which some people might go in search of quick cash.

“Hunger wan finish am,” one user, @gbolahann01_, commented bluntly, suggesting that the perpetrator may have been driven by sheer desperation rather than criminal intent. Another user, @TheSilvapr, was simply at a loss for words, responding with a disbelieving “Lmao wtf.” For some, like @Wizebaba, the man’s actions earned him nothing but ridicule: “Werey,” a Yoruba slang term loosely translating to “mad person.”

While social media users laughed and shook their heads at the absurdity of the incident, others found it deeply troubling. That someone would go as far as to simulate their own kidnapping for such a meager amount underscores the grim economic realities that plague many Nigerians today. With food inflation hitting record highs, job scarcity rising, and the cost of living becoming unbearable for the average citizen, stories like this—although comical on the surface—point to a deeper, more sobering reality.

Still, many couldn't help but dwell on the absurdity of the ransom amount. ₦20,000—roughly equivalent to $13 at current exchange rates—barely covers a week’s groceries for a small family. It’s the kind of money most would consider too little to risk such a dangerous, criminal stunt. And yet, this unnamed man allegedly thought it worthwhile to stage a kidnapping over it.

Authorities have not released official statements about the man’s identity or legal consequences, but the consensus online is that punishment—both legal and social—is inevitable. In the video, bystanders can be heard ridiculing and questioning him, hinting that he had been caught in the act or exposed shortly after the ransom demand was made. It’s unclear whether the money was paid or if the ploy was busted before it could succeed, but either way, the man has become the latest cautionary tale in Nigeria’s ever-churning viral media landscape.

The story has also reignited conversations about personal responsibility, crime, and the impact of Nigeria’s harsh economic climate on the youth. With millions of young people out of work and few opportunities for financial stability, some are turning to absurd or illegal means to make ends meet—even if it means faking their own disappearance.

However, not everyone was sympathetic. Critics argued that no amount of poverty should justify fabricating a kidnapping—a crime that often leaves deep scars for victims and their families in real-life situations. “People have died from the trauma of real kidnappings,” one commenter noted. “To make a joke out of it or treat it like a hustle is disrespectful to actual victims.”

The incident also sparked a wave of memes and jokes online, with some users joking about how they too might “kidnap themselves” if it meant escaping rent or fuel expenses. A few went as far as offering mock “consulting services” for others considering similar stunts—an ironic reflection of how dark humor continues to be a coping mechanism for many Nigerians navigating tough times.

It’s not the first time Nigeria has witnessed such a peculiar attempt at extortion. Over the years, there have been scattered reports of individuals staging all kinds of schemes to raise money—ranging from fake illnesses to fabricated job losses. But rarely has anyone gone to the extent of faking a kidnapping for such a paltry sum. The sheer absurdity of the ₦20,000 demand is what has pushed this story into viral territory, making it a prime example of what netizens call “peak Naija.”

Whether this story ends with criminal charges, public apologies, or simply fades into internet folklore remains to be seen. For now, it stands as a strange, oddly humorous yet deeply revealing snapshot of the times. One where economic hardship, internet culture, and desperation collide in stories that are at once tragic, comedic, and unforgettable.

As for the man at the center of the chaos, he has earned himself a peculiar kind of fame—one that may come with consequences far greater than the ₦20,000 he hoped to collect.