Woman Kidnaps Self, Collects N5m Ransom From Husband

Police in Edo State have arrested a 27-year-old woman, Chioma Success Ezebie, for allegedly faking her own kidnapping and collecting ₦5 million ransom from her husband.

According to the police, Chioma reportedly 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.

Adaniken immediately 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.

Edo Police Deputy Spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said Godfrey’s confession led to Chioma’s arrest.

“Investigations revealed that Chioma conspired with her accomplices to fake her abduction and extort ₦5 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.

Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, 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.