Man fakes own kidnap, extracts Shs2 million ransom
Hoima- Police in Hoima District have arrested a man who allegedly faked his own kidnap and extracted Shs2m ransom from friends and family.
Mr Godfrey Katusiime, 50, a resident of Bwikya Ward in Mparo Division, Hoima Municipality, reportedly left his home last Thursday.
Police investigators said he then telephoned his wife the next day, claiming that he had been kidnapped by criminals who wanted a ransom.
According to police, Mr Katusiime claimed that the kidnappers wanted Shs2m before releasing him.
Albertine region police spokesman Julius Hakiza said the frightened wife reported the matter and opened a case of kidnap at Hoima Central Police Station, prompting them to start inquiries.
His family and friends mobilised the Shs2m and sent it on Katusiime’s mobile phone number
Detectives continued with a search for him even after the money was wired to him. Detectives said he regularly moved between Hoima Town and Kyankwanzi District by boda boda either at night or early morning.
On night of March 4, Mr Katusiime was tracked and located in Butebere Village, Buhanika Sub-county, Hoima District.
However, the police found him feasting with his friends, supposedly to celebrate his release.
Upon being searched, he was found with Shs1.5m, which is believed to have been part of the Shs2m that he received as ransom.
It is alleged that he had already paid the balance of Shs500,000 to the boda boda cyclist who kept transporting him to various locations. Mr Hakiza said it is suspected that Mr Katusiime faked the kidnap in order to get the money, which he intended to pay a financial institution, where he had obtained a loan.
