The Delta State Police Command has arrested a woman and two accomplices for allegedly staging a fake kidnapping in Asaba and collecting a ransom of N3 million from her family.
Police spokesperson Bright Edafe, in a statement issued Monday in Asaba, said the arrest was part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle criminal activities across the state.
He confirmed that the incident was treated initially as a real abduction until investigations revealed it was staged.
“On July 21, 2025, the Delta State Police Command received a report of a kidnapping incident involving a female victim who was abducted by unknown armed men in the Ajaji (Bonsaac) Layout of Asaba.
“Acting promptly on the report, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed the Commander, Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad, Godwin Osadolor, to ensure that the victim was rescued unhurt.
“The command led operatives and launched a coordinated intelligence-driven operation. Through diligent investigative efforts and strategic deployment, the operatives apprehended one Alfred Elisha at the Koka Roundabout, Asaba, and another suspect, Ugochukwu Adim, off DLA Road, Asaba, on July 22, 2025.
“Upon arrest of the suspects, he confessed that it was not a case of an actual kidnapping but a plot between the victim and himself. His revelation led to the arrest of the other suspect, Merit Eleh, 29 years old.
“She confessed that the money loaned to her by her brother of about N3.6m she used it to sponsor her bridal shower and hotel expenses during her wedding, which took place in March 2025.”
According to Edafe, the fake abduction was carried out to recover part of the N3.6 million the suspect had borrowed for her wedding expenses.
He said all the suspects involved in the fake kidnapping had been arrested while an investigation was ongoing.