22-year-old lady arrested for faking her own kidnapping, collecting N3m ransom

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old woman, Nwachukwu Chidubem Blessing, for allegedly staging her own kidnapping and collecting N3m ransom from her family.

The spokesperson for the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, September 20, 2026 said Nwachukwu allegedly conspired with a female associate identified as “Onyinye” and another male accomplice, to stage her own kidnapping and obtain money from her family.

According to Ikenga, the suspect was reported to have been abducted along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway on August 29, but despite the payment of N3 million ransom by her family, she was allegedly not released, prompting further investigation by the police.

Ikenga added that she was arrested in Asaba on Friday, September 18 by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following credible intelligence.

“The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old lady, identified as Nwachukwu Chidubem Blessing, in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy, fraud and suspected self-kidnapping, following the payment of N3 million ransom by her family,” the statement read.

“The suspect was arrested by Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, following credible intelligence received in the course of an investigation into a reported kidnapping incident.

“The lady was reportedly abducted along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway on 29th August 2026.

“However, despite the payment of N3 million ransom by her family, she was allegedly not released, prompting further investigation by the Police.

“Following sustained intelligence gathering and investigative efforts, Police Operatives, in the afternoon of 18th September 2026, traced and located the alleged victim in a room in Asaba, Delta State, where she was recovered.

“Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that the lady allegedly conspired with a female associate identified as Onyinye, whose other names are yet to be established, and another male accomplice, whose identity is presently unknown, to stage her own kidnapping and obtain money from her family.

“The arrested suspect is currently assisting the Police with useful information towards establishing the full circumstances of the incident, as well as identifying and apprehending her alleged accomplices.

“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, has directed that the investigation be intensified to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law.”