Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The operatives of the Edo State Police command have arrested one
Chioma Success Ezebie, 27, for allegedly faking her own kidnapping and collecting N5 million ransom from her husband.
It was learnt that Chioma staged her abduction along with her three-year-old son on October 27, 2025.
Her husband, Paul Adaniken, later received a call from a man identified as Martins Chidozie, claiming that his wife and child had been kidnapped.
Based on the call, Adaniken reported the incident to the police, prompting the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to launch an investigation.
Using cyber and intelligence tools, the police traced the case to Chioma’s cousin, 33-year-old Osita Godfrey, who was found to be involved in the plot.
According to the State Police image maker, ASP Eno Ikoedem, Godfrey’s confession led to Chioma’s arrest.
“Investigations revealed that Chioma conspired with her accomplices to fake her abduction and extort N5 million from her husband,” Ikoedem said.
The police recovered the ransom and transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has commended the officers of the New Etete Division for their swift action and warned residents against acts that could disrupt public peace.
He assured that the Command will continue to use intelligence and technology-driven strategies to tackle crime in the state.