Our reporter
The Edo State Police Command has arrested one Chioma Success Adaniken for allegedly faking her own abduction and collecting ₦5 million ransom from her unsuspecting husband.
In a statement released on Monday night, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that the arrest followed a report filed by Mr. Paul Adaniken at the New Etete Police Division, Benin City.
According to the police, Paul had reported on 27 October 2025 that he left his wife, Chioma, and their three-year-old son, Andrea, at home before heading to his shop. Later that day, he received a distressing phone call from an unknown number claiming his wife and son had been kidnapped, with the abductors demanding a ₦5 million ransom for their release.
Following the report, detectives from the New Etete Division immediately launched a covert and intelligence-led operation, supported by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, which conducted a cyber-analysis of the case. The investigation took a dramatic turn when Chioma’s cousin, Osita Godfrey, who was initially assisting the police, was arrested and found to be involved in the scheme.
His confession reportedly led to the arrest of Chioma herself, who allegedly conspired with Osita and another suspect, Martins Chidozie, 23, to fake her own kidnap in order to extort her husband. The police recovered the entire ransom amount and confirmed that all suspects made confessional statements. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the swift efforts of officers involved in cracking the case and warned residents against acts capable of breaching public peace.
He emphasised that the Command remains resolute in deploying intelligence and technology-driven policing to combat criminal activities across the State.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
