The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two young lovers who staged a fake kidnapping in a desperate bid to extort millions of naira from the woman’s own family.
Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this in a statement issued through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Friday. He described the incident as “a sad reflection of moral decay among today’s youth.”
According to police reports, the suspects — 23-year-old Nmesoma Josephine Nwoye and her boyfriend, 24-year-old Chibuike Ogbu — orchestrated the abduction drama and demanded a ransom of ₦15 million from Nmesoma’s family. After negotiations, the family transferred ₦3 million into the supposed victim’s account.
However, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, acting on intelligence, swiftly uncovered the plot and arrested the suspects. Police recovered ₦1.2 million from the ransom money already withdrawn by the duo.
In his reaction, CP Orutugu condemned the act, stressing that such criminal gimmicks not only destroy family trust but also waste vital security resources that should be channeled into tackling real threats.
> “This incident is a shameful pointer to the rising moral decadence in our society. Young people must resist the temptation of chasing quick money through crime. Parents, guardians, and religious leaders have a duty to instill discipline and integrity in their wards,” he said.
The Commissioner also issued a stern warning to youths plotting similar schemes:
> “No matter how smart you think your plan is, the long arm of the law will always catch up with you.”
The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
PIONEER NEWS 