Fake Kidnap: Anambra Lady, Lover Arrested

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a young lady and her boyfriend for allegedly faking her own kidnap to extort a ransom from her family. The police also successfully recovered a sum of ₦1.2 million from the suspects.

In a statement released on Saturday, the police spokesman, Tochukwu Ikenga, identified the suspects as Nmesoma Josephine Nwoye (23) and her boyfriend, Chibuike Ogbu (24). According to Ikenga, the arrest, which was carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, followed an intelligence-led operation that exposed the conspiracy between the duo.

Further investigation revealed that the suspects initially demanded a ransom of ₦15 million. After a series of negotiations, the family transferred ₦3 million into Nmesoma’s account, which was believed to be controlled by the kidnappers. The police were able to trace the transaction and apprehend the suspects.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, expressed concern over the incident, which he described as a reflection of “the rising moral decay in the society.” He urged parents, guardians, and religious leaders to do more to instill discipline and sound values in young people.

The Commissioner also warned youths against engaging in such self-destructive ventures, stressing that the long arm of the law would always catch up with criminals, no matter how clever their schemes may be.