The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 17-year-old Imo State University student, Jesse Chidiebere, for allegedly faking her kidnapping and death, causing panic among her family and the university community.
The arrest was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, ASP Henry Okoye.
According to Okoye, Chidiebere was taken into custody on October 26, 2024, around 10 pm, after the Orji Police Division received calls from concerned citizens reporting her as missing. Her disappearance had reportedly stirred fear and confusion among her family and the IMSU community.
In a WhatsApp message from her account, Chidiebere claimed she had been abducted and killed, directing her family to confirm this at the Orji Police Station. This message quickly spread, increasing public worry.
ASP Okoye explained, “Upon receiving the distress call, our operatives began a search for her whereabouts. By the next morning, on October 27, 2024, we discovered that Chidiebere was safe and had fabricated the story as a prank on social media.”
An investigation is now underway to understand her motives, and she will face prosecution for her actions. Imo State Police Commissioner CP Aboki Danjuma described the prank as highly irresponsible, noting the waste of valuable police resources and the fear it created. He added, “This act of mischief disrupted public peace. We urge parents to caution their children against such dangerous pranks and spreading false information.”
The Commissioner also affirmed the command’s commitment to preventing misinformation and ensuring the safety of everyone in Imo State.
