A woman and her two accomplices have been arrested by the Delta State Police Command for allegedly masterminding a fake kidnapping in Asaba in order to extort N3 million from her family.
The arrest was announced in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, on Monday in Asaba. He said the incident was initially treated as a genuine abduction until further investigations revealed it was staged by the supposed victim and her collaborators.
“On July 21, 2025, the Delta State Police Command received a report of a kidnapping incident involving a female victim who was abducted by unknown armed men in the Ajaji (Bonsaac) Layout of Asaba.
“Acting promptly on the report, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed the Commander, Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad, Godwin Osadolor, to ensure that the victim was rescued unhurt.
“The command led operatives and launched a coordinated intelligence-driven operation. Through diligent investigative efforts and strategic deployment, the operatives apprehended one Alfred Elisha at the Koka Roundabout, Asaba, and another suspect, Ugochukwu Adim, off DLA Road, Asaba, on July 22, 2025.
“Upon arrest of the suspects, he confessed that it was not a case of an actual kidnapping but a plot between the victim and himself. His revelation led to the arrest of the other suspect, Merit Eleh, 29 years old.
“She confessed that the money loaned to her by her brother of about N3.6m she used it to sponsor her bridal shower and hotel expenses during her wedding, which took place in March 2025.”
According to Edafe, the suspects carried out the fake abduction in a bid to recoup part of the funds used for the woman’s wedding expenses.
He confirmed that all suspects connected to the incident are now in custody and that further investigations are ongoing.
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