A dramatic case of alleged self-kidnapping has unfolded in Edo State after a married woman, Oluchi, reportedly staged her abduction and demanded N50 million ransom from her family, only to be discovered in a hotel in Delta State with her alleged lover.
The incident triggered panic after her family and friends believed she had been kidnapped in the Ikpoba Hill area of Ikpoba-Okha local government area. Her children, including a daughter based in Canada, appealed for help and support to raise the ransom, which was later reduced by the supposed abductors to N20 million.
However, police investigations later exposed the alleged deception. Security operatives tracked a phone number linked to a male suspect to a hotel in Ubiaroko, Delta State, where both individuals were found together.
According to police sources, the husband was informed that his wife had been rescued, but was later briefed at the station that the situation had been fabricated. The woman pleaded that the matter should not be disclosed to their children.
The daughter, Anita, expressed shock and said the family acted in good faith, noting that all funds raised would be refunded to donors as no ransom was paid.
The Harmony Ladies Club said it supported the family under the belief a genuine abduction had occurred, describing the revelation as a betrayal of trust.
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident and said four suspects have been arrested, with investigations continuing.