The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with a staged kidnapping incident that has shocked many residents and raised fresh concerns about the rising trend of self-orchestrated crimes among youths.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Tochukwu Ikenga, said the suspects were apprehended after an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu.
According to him, the suspects were identified as 23-year-old Nmesoma Josephine Nwoye and her 24-year-old boyfriend, Chibuike Ogbu.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Nmesoma conspired with Chibuike to fake her own abduction with the aim of extorting a huge sum of money from her family.
“The operatives discovered that the supposed victim deliberately staged her disappearance and went into hiding while her boyfriend served as the negotiator with her family.
“The suspects demanded a ransom of ₦15 million, and after back-and-forth negotiations, the family was pressured into paying ₦3 million. Shockingly, the money was traced to the victim’s own bank account,” Ikenga stated.
He further disclosed that police operatives successfully recovered ₦1.2 million, which was still in the custody of the suspects at the time of their arrest.
Investigations are still ongoing to trace how the remaining balance was spent and whether other accomplices were involved.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, expressed dismay at the incident.
He described the conspiracy as “a sad reflection of the moral decay within the society,” stressing that more young people are now resorting to crime, fraud, and deceit for selfish gain instead of embracing hard work and integrity.
The Commissioner emphasized that such criminal tendencies among youths pose a serious danger to the peace and stability of families and communities.
He appealed to parents, guardians, and community leaders to strengthen the moral upbringing of children under their care.
According to him, instilling discipline, sound values, and a sense of accountability from an early stage is key to reducing the rate of juvenile crime.
He also issued a stern warning to other young people considering similar acts. “Criminality, no matter how cleverly packaged or disguised, will never go undetected.
“The police remain committed to exposing fraudulent schemes and bringing offenders to justice. Those who choose crime over honest living must be ready to face the consequences,” Orutugu said.
The CP assured the public that the Anambra State Police Command will continue to prioritize intelligence-driven policing, proactive surveillance, and community partnership in its ongoing fight against crime.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and work closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
This incident adds to the growing number of cases across the country where individuals, particularly young people, have been caught staging their own kidnaps in a bid to extort money from unsuspecting family members or acquaintances.
Security experts say the trend, if unchecked, could undermine public trust in genuine kidnap cases and put real victims at risk of delayed rescue.
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