TDThe Edo State Police Command has uncovered a staged kidnapping plot and arrested four suspects, including a woman who allegedly conspired with accomplices to extort ₦50 million from her family.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the case began on June 1, 2026.
Mr. Tony Ugbowan of Agbor Road, Benin City, had reported that his wife, Mrs. Oluchi Ugbowan, aged 45, had been kidnapped on her way to her shop at Ramat Park.
He explained that he received a call from a concealed number demanding ₦50 million for her release.
The Anti-Kidnapping Unit immediately launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of Israel Ability, 28, at Ramat Park.
Police recovered Oluchi’s mobile phone from him.
During interrogation, he confessed that Oluchi had contracted him to negotiate ransom with her family while pretending she was abducted.
See flyer showing the faked kidnap below:
The Fake Kidnap
Further investigations traced Oluchi to a hotel in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, where she was arrested on June 5, 2026.
She admitted to staging her own kidnapping and directed police to the residence of another accomplice, Ochukwudem Uwadia, 38, in Delta State.
It was discovered that the residence was used to record ransom videos showing Oluchi bound/.
Meanwhile, Chibuzor Ochukwudem, 18, pointed a firearm at her head to make the abduction appear genuine.
Police recovered the pump-action gun used in the recordings during a search of the premises.
Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift action in exposing the elaborate scam.
He stressed that the Command treats every kidnapping report with utmost seriousness and warned against false abduction schemes.
He noted that such acts waste critical security resources and constitute serious criminal offences.
The Police urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious incidents and avoid actions that could cause unnecessary fear of crime.
All suspects are currently in custody and will face prosecution.
