…Daughter Says Family Was Misled During Ransom Drive
…Police Confirm Four Arrests, Probe Alleged Fraud Scheme
By Anthony Oboh
A woman whose family reported her kidnapped in Edo State has been discovered in a hotel in Delta State with her alleged lover, in a development that has stunned relatives, friends and members of the public who had rallied support for her release.
The woman, identified as Oluchi, was initially reported missing from the Ikpoba Hill area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. Her disappearance sparked widespread concern after family members alleged that kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N50 million, later reduced to N20 million.
The incident prompted an outpouring of sympathy and support from relatives, associates and well-wishers, many of whom contributed financially towards efforts to secure her freedom.
However, investigations by the police reportedly uncovered a different narrative when operatives traced a telephone number linked to one of the suspects to a hotel in Ubiaroko, Delta State.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, police officers stormed the hotel and found Oluchi in the company of a man believed to be her lover.
The discovery immediately raised questions about the authenticity of the kidnapping claim and the circumstances surrounding the ransom demands made to her family.
Sources disclosed that the woman’s husband was subsequently informed of the police findings following the operation.
Reacting to the development in a video that has since gone viral on social media, the woman’s daughter, Anita, expressed shock and disappointment over the outcome of the investigation.
She explained that the family had acted in good faith throughout the ordeal, working closely with law enforcement agencies and appealing to the public for support in rescuing her mother.
Anita maintained that no ransom payment was made before police located her mother and uncovered the alleged scheme.
According to her, funds raised by family members and supporters remained intact and would be refunded to contributors.
She further alleged that investigators informed the family that her mother and the man involved had planned to benefit from part of the money already raised through public appeals.
The daughter described the revelation as devastating, noting that the development had inflicted emotional trauma on the family.
She particularly lamented the effect of the incident on her father, who she said has underlying health challenges.
The case has also generated reactions from social groups and community organisations that had mobilised support during the reported abduction.
One such group, Harmony Ladies Club, expressed disappointment after learning of the findings from the police investigation.
In a statement circulated among its members, the organisation said it had provided emotional, logistical and financial assistance out of concern for the family and in the spirit of solidarity.
The group noted that members had responded swiftly to the distress call, believing the woman was genuinely in danger.
Members said they were shocked by the turn of events and the allegations that the abduction may have been staged.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Yamu, disclosed that four persons had been arrested in connection with the case.
He stated that investigations were ongoing and assured that the police would thoroughly examine all aspects of the matter before concluding the case.
The incident has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the implications of false kidnapping claims and the emotional and financial toll such incidents impose on families, communities and security agencies.
