By Sunday Apah
The police in Delta State have arrested a 29-year-old woman who faked her kidnapping, along with two male accomplices in Asaba, the state capital.
In a statement by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, it was reported that on July 21, 2025, at about 20:30 hours, the Delta State Police Command received a report of a kidnapping incident involving a female victim allegedly abducted by unknown armed men in the Bonsaac area of Asaba.
According to the statement, “Acting promptly on the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed the Commander of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad, CSP Godwin Osadolor, to ensure that the victim is rescued unharmed.”
“Acting on this directive, the command led operatives to launch a coordinated intelligence-driven operation.”
“Through diligent investigative efforts and strategic deployment, the operatives apprehended one Alfred Elisha (male) at Koka Roundabout, Asaba, and another suspect, Ugochukwu Adim (male), off DLA Road, Asaba, on July 22, 2025, at about 09:00 hours.”
“Upon the arrest of the suspects, it was revealed that this was not a case of actual kidnapping, but rather a plot between the victim and himself. His revelation led to the arrest of the other suspect, Merit Eleh, aged 29.”
“She confessed that the money loaned to her by her brother—approximately three million six hundred thousand naira (₦3,600,000)—was used to fund her bridal shower and hotel expenses during her wedding, which took place in March 2025.”
“She further stated that she faked her kidnapping and received a ransom of three million naira (₦3,000,000), from which she gave her accomplices five hundred thousand naira (₦500,000) and kept two million five hundred thousand naira (₦2,500,000) for herself.”
“All suspects involved have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing.”
