Abia State Police Command said that its Surveillance and Intelligence team has arrested a man, called John, for faking his own kidnapping and demanding 3 million naira from his family members. The Police in a statement signed by ASP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Abia State Police Command for the Commissioner of Police, said the fake kidnap victim was arrested at Wisdom Guest House where he was hiding and making demands. The statement said that investigations have commenced on the matter.
The statement said; “On the 13th of November 2023, reports got to the police by family members that One John Male of Amachara Umuahiah was allegedly kidnapped by unknown assailants as he went to withdraw money along Bank Road in Umuahia. “Responding swiftly to the report, the Abia State Police took immediate action. Utilizing surveillance intelligence, the police traced the purported kidnapping to Umuahia. “Reaching the specified location, the police discovered Mr John at Wisdom Guest House.
Examination revealed no evidence of external involvement in the alleged kidnapping. Continuing, the statement said; “Mr. John confessed to orchestrating his kidnap and demanded a ransom of 3 million naira, which after negotiation reduced to 2 million naira from his family, as a desperate measure to raise funds to clear substantial debts.The matter is under discreet investigation. It advised the public to desist from such criminal acts, as perpetrators are subject to the full extent of the law, with a felony charge and a potential ten years imprisonment.
