The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued a young woman from the clutches of a suspected ritualist and armed robber in Abuja, launching an intensive manhunt for the fleeing perpetrator.
The shocking incident unfolded at a hotel in the Wuse district of Abuja, where 25-year-old Promise Eze, an Ebonyi State native, was found bound to a chair with her mouth taped shut, unconscious and in distress. The police acted swiftly after receiving a distress call from hotel staff on January 31, 2025, at approximately 11:30 AM.
A Sinister Deception Uncovered
According to the statement released by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, Promise had checked into the hotel on January 30, 2025, with a man who introduced himself as Emmanuel Okoro from Lagos State. However, investigations later revealed a web of deception—her supposed companion had met her online under the alias Michael Prince, falsely claiming to be an oil company employee based in Delta State.
Initially, he had invited her to Delta, but when she declined, they settled on meeting in Abuja—an encounter that turned into a nightmare.
Shortly after checking in, the suspect brandished a dagger, threatening and overpowering the victim before binding her hands and legs and sealing her mouth with tape. He then stole her two mobile phones and fled the scene.
Chillingly, before escaping, Promise overheard him making a phone call, speaking to suspected accomplices. He reportedly boasted that he was regrouping before returning to “finish the job”—a terrifying indication that she had been targeted for a ritualistic act or worse.
Thanks to the vigilance of hotel staff, authorities were alerted in time. Officers arrived at the scene, freed Promise from captivity, and rushed her to Wuse District Hospital, where she regained consciousness.
Recognizing the severity of the crime, FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has ordered an extensive manhunt for the suspect. He has also urged residents—especially young women—to exercise extreme caution when meeting individuals online.
Police Urge Public Cooperation
The FCT Police Command is calling on anyone with information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest to come forward. The public is encouraged to reach the police through the following emergency contact lines:
📞 Emergency Lines: 08032003913
📞 Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192
With the suspect still at large, the race against time has begun to prevent further atrocities. The police have assured residents that justice will be served, and perpetrators of such heinous crimes will face the full wrath of the law.
PIONEER NEWS 