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New Jersey Teen, Boyfriend Accused In Fake Kidnapping, Attempted Extortion

HACKENSACK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A 16-year-old northern New Jersey girl and her boyfriend are accused of staging a fake kidnapping in a failed extortion attempt.

Hackensack police told The Record the girl ran away from home on Sunday and went to stay with her boyfriend, 19-year-old city resident Zakaria Nuhu.

The couple, who had "legal issues" they had to pay for, allegedly called the girl's mother and said she was being held captive.

The girl was heard in the background yelling for help, but the girl's sister overheard the conversation and recognized Nuhu's voice, authorities said.

No money ever changed hands, and the girl was later found safe.

Nuhu was charged with creating false public alarm, attempted theft by extortion and employing a juvenile to commit a crime.

The girl will face charges as a juvenile.

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