What began as a desperate appeal to save an allegedly kidnapped woman has ended in shock, betrayal, and multiple arrests after police uncovered what investigators say was a carefully staged abduction.
A married woman identified as Oluchi was reportedly found in a hotel in Delta State with her lover after allegedly faking her own kidnapping and demanding a ₦50 million ransom from her family.
The incident sparked widespread concern after her children, including a daughter based in Canada, publicly appealed for financial assistance to secure her release. According to family members, the supposed kidnappers later reduced the ransom demand from ₦50 million to ₦20 million.
The family had reported to police that Oluchi was abducted in the Ikpoba Hill area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
However, a police investigation reportedly traced the case to a hotel in Ubiaroko, Delta State, where officers discovered the woman in the company of a man believed to be her lover.
A source familiar with the investigation said:
“Police traced the number of the man to a hotel in Ubiaroko, Delta State. They met the man and the kidnapped woman inside a hotel. They called the husband, and he was happy. It was at the station that the police broke the news to him. The wife begged the husband not to tell her children what actually transpired.”
In an emotional online video, Oluchi’s daughter, Anita, expressed heartbreak over the discovery, insisting she had no knowledge of the alleged plot and only wanted her mother rescued.
“My mum has been released. My mum is involved in this kidnapping case. I only did what I did to save my mom. The family is in shock. This is not right. This has shattered my family. My dad has some health issues. This is so unfortunate. What did I do wrong?
“My reputation has been ruined. I am short of words. I am so mad. I have no hand in this. I never knew. I only wanted my mother back home. The law will take its course. I am sorry this is happening. I only did what any daughter would do. My family has been shattered.
“We were called that my mum has been released. We didn’t pay the kidnappers. The money is intact. We are going to make a refund. We involved the Police from the beginning. We now know it was not a real kidnapping. They said my mom is involved. They are having a relationship. The guy was traced. They had agreed to take what we already raised to N20m.”
The development has also drawn strong reactions from members of the Harmony Ladies Club, a group Anita belongs to, after many of its members reportedly contributed emotional, logistical, and financial support during the ordeal.
In a statement circulated on the club’s WhatsApp platform, the group condemned the alleged deception and distanced itself from the incident.
“When news of her alleged abduction broke, the club acted swiftly in good faith. Out of sisterhood, love, and a sense of community responsibility, we rallied immediately.
“Our members provided extensive emotional, logistical, and financial support during what we believed was a life-threatening crisis, carrying the heavy burden of anxiety alongside her family.
“It is with a profound sense of betrayal that we have now discovered, through investigations, that the entire kidnapping incident was staged by Mrs. Oluchi herself.”
Confirming the incident, Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that four persons have been arrested in connection with the case.
“I can confirm the incident and also let you know that four people have also been arrested in connection with the incident.”
Police investigations are ongoing as authorities work to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the alleged fake kidnapping plot.
