The Edo State Police Command has arrested a woman, Chioma Ezebie Adaniken, and two accomplices for faking her own abduction and demanding a ₦5 million ransom from her husband.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said Adaniken conspired with her cousin, Osita Godfrey, and another suspect, Martins Chidozie, to stage the fake kidnap.
The police said the incident was reported on October 27 by Chioma’s husband, Paul Adaniken, who told officers at New Etete Division that his wife and three-year-old son were missing after he left for work that morning.
According to the statement, Paul later received a call from an unknown number claiming his wife and child had been abducted and demanding ₦5 million for their release.
However, detectives launched a cyber investigation and discovered that Chioma and her cousin were behind the act.
The statement read, “The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the public that operatives attached to New Etete Division, Benin City, have successfully uncovered and apprehended suspects involved in a case of self-kidnapping following diligent investigation and coordinated intelligence operations.
“Detectives arrested the supposed victim, Chioma Adaniken, aged 27, who conspired with her accomplices to stage her own abduction in order to extort money from her husband. Ransom of ₦5 million was recovered, and all suspects have made useful confessional statements.”
The police said the suspects have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended officers for their swift response and warned residents against acts that could cause public disorder.
He also assured the public that the command would continue to use technology and intelligence to tackle crime across the state.
