Woman kidnaps self, collects ransom from husband

In a shocking twist to a kidnap investigation, the Edo State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old woman, Chioma Success Ezebie, for allegedly staging her own abduction and collecting ₦5 million in ransom from her husband.

According to police authorities, Chioma reportedly conspired to fake her kidnap along with her three-year-old son on October 27, 2025. Investigations revealed that she enlisted the help of a 23-year-old accomplice, identified as Martins Chidozie, who contacted her husband to demand ransom, claiming both mother and child had been abducted.

Her husband, Paul Adaniken, reported to the Police and the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a full-scale cyber analysis and intelligence-led operations that led to the victim’s cousin, Osita Godfrey, aged 33.

Police said Godfrey, believed to be assisting with information, was found to be complicit in the crime.

Edo Deputy spokesman, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said Osita’s confessional statement led to the arrest of the Chioma.

Ikoedem said Chioma was discovered to have conspired with accomplices to stage her abduction in order to extort money from her husband.

“All suspects have made useful confessional statements, ransom of Five Million Naira (N5,000,000) recovered and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and onward prosecution.

“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, has commended the officers of the New Etete Division for their swift and tactical response, which led to the unraveling of this deceitful act.

“He also warns residents to desist from acts capable of undermining public peace while emphasizing that the Command will continue to deploy intelligence and technology-driven strategies to combat crime in all forms.”