What began as a frantic search for a suspected kidnap victim in Delta State has ended with the arrest of the woman police say orchestrated the entire incident herself.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 54-year-old woman accused of staging her own abduction and demanding a ₦15 million ransom from her younger brother. Investigators say the alleged scheme was exposed after an intelligence-led operation revealed that no kidnapping had taken place.
According to police, the case was first reported on October 23 at the Ogwashi-Uku Division as a suspected kidnapping. Following the report, the state Commissioner of Police directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Ubuluku to investigate and secure the woman’s release.
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As officers traced the circumstances surrounding the report, they discovered evidence suggesting that the woman had allegedly planned the incident herself. Police said she had contacted her younger brother and claimed she was being held by kidnappers who would only release her after receiving ₦15 million.
The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, described the case as unusual, noting that previous incidents of self-kidnapping handled by the command had largely involved much younger suspects.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted arranging the fake abduction and making the ransom demand. In her statement to investigators, she acknowledged contacting her brother and warning him that she could be harmed if the money was not paid.
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Some reports indicate that the woman told investigators she was seeking money to address a health challenge affecting her leg, although police have not announced whether this claim has been independently verified.
Police also believe other individuals may have been involved in the alleged plot. Edafe said investigators are pursuing leads on possible accomplices and expect further arrests as the investigation continues.
The case highlights the emotional toll that kidnapping reports can have on families. Believing his sister was genuinely in danger, her brother was reportedly confronted with the prospect of raising a large ransom to secure her freedom before police uncovered the alleged deception.
Police have commended the family for reporting the incident instead of acting on the ransom demand alone, stressing that early notification gives security agencies an opportunity to verify claims and intervene where necessary.
Authorities say investigations remain ongoing and that those found to have participated in the alleged scheme will face the law.
