A married woman identified as Oluchi has been uncovered by police after allegedly faking her own kidnapping and demanding a ₦50 million ransom from her family.
The incident began when her relatives reported her missing in the Ikpoba Hill area of Ikpoba-Okha, sparking a widespread search and public appeal for funds to secure her release. The ransom was reportedly reduced to ₦20 million during negotiations, with family members believing she was in the hands of kidnappers.
However, investigations by the police led operatives to a hotel in Delta State, where the woman was found alive and allegedly in the company of her lover.
According to a source, officers traced a phone number linked to the case to a hotel in Ubiaroko, where they discovered both individuals together. The development brought the case to an abrupt end, revealing that no actual abduction had taken place.
Family members, including her daughter based in Canada, had earlier raised alarm and mobilised support online, believing she had been kidnapped. The daughter later expressed shock, saying the situation had caused deep emotional distress and embarrassment to the family.
She noted that the money raised during the ransom appeal would be refunded, adding that the family had cooperated with police throughout the investigation and were unaware it was a staged incident.
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A social group, Harmony Ladies Club, which had also supported the fundraising efforts, later distanced itself from the incident, describing it as a betrayal after initially rallying to assist what they believed was a genuine abduction.
The group said members had provided emotional and financial support in good faith before discovering that the kidnapping was allegedly fabricated.
Police spokesperson in Edo State, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and stated that four persons had been arrested in connection with the case. Investigations are ongoing.
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