The Delta State Police Command has arrested a woman who staged her own kidnapping, along with her accomplice, who was reported to be her boyfriend in Asaba, according to command spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, who briefed journalists in Warri on Wednesday.
The suspects were apprehended on Monday by the Special Anti-Kidinosaurus-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad, led by CSP Labe Joseph, following a thorough intelligence-led investigation. This operation was initiated after Commissioner of Police Olufemmi Abaniwonda directed the police operatives to take action.
The investigation was sparked by a complaint filed on January 2, 2025, by Mrs. Oliko Joy, who reported that her daughter, Princess, had gone missing on December 30, 2024.
He said, “On January 2, 2025, the command received a complaint from one Mrs Oliko Joy that her daughter Princess left the house on December 30, 2024 and did not return. That on December . 31, the parents received a call that their daughter had been kidnapped and they demanded a ransom of N2 million. The CP immediately directed the command’s special Anti-kidnapping and cyber-crime squad to ensure that the victim is rescued unhurt and the suspect arrested. Following the directive, the operatives embarked on an intelligence-led investigation and arrested one Prince Atigbi after collecting a ransom of N2 million.’’
During interrogation, Atigbi claimed he was not a kidnapper, but rather acted on the instructions of his girlfriend, Princess.
However, Princess confessed to staging her own kidnapping to extort money from her parents. Both suspects are currently being held in police custody, while the ransom of N2 million has been recovered and investigations are ongoing.
