By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 54-year-old woman for allegedly staging her own kidnapping to extort ₦15 million from her younger brother.
The suspect reportedly claimed she was abducted by unknown men while going out to buy medicine, adding that her supposed captors demanded ₦15 million for her release.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a video showing the suspect admitting to the alleged offence.
According to Edafe, the incident was reported at the Ogwashi-Uku Divisional Police Headquarters on October 23, 2026, prompting the Commissioner of Police to direct the Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Obu-Luku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, to investigate.
He said operatives launched an intelligence-led investigation which exposed the alleged kidnapping as a staged operation.
During questioning, the woman reportedly admitted that she arranged the abduction and contacted her younger brother, telling him that her supposed captors would kill her if he failed to pay the ₦15 million ransom.
In her statement, she said she had claimed to have been taken into the bush and held captive for 12 days.
Edafe expressed surprise that a woman of her age would allegedly stage her own kidnapping, noting that the police had previously encountered similar cases involving teenagers.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that investigations suggested the woman did not act alone, as other individuals were allegedly involved in the scheme.
He said the command was tracking the suspected accomplices and would arrest them.
The police have not disclosed whether the younger brother paid any part of the demanded ransom.
The command’s investigation is ongoing.
