Man kidnaps self, demands N3m ransom from his relatives

The Abia State Police Command has arrested one John, from Amachara, Umuahia South Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State for faking his own kidnap and demanding N3 million ransom from his relatives.

Police said John lodged at Wisdom Guest House from where he was negotiating his ransom payment with his relatives before he was arrested by the Police Surveillance and Intelligence Strategy.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of Abia State Police Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka for the Commissioner of Police, added that the fake kidnap victim had reduced the N3 million ransom he demanded, to N2 million before he was apprehended.

“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 Umuahiah.

“Reaching the specified location, the police discovered Mr John at Wisdom Guest House. Examination revealed no evidence of external involvement in the alleged kidnapping.

“Mr John confessed to orchestrating his kidnap and demanded a ransom of N3 million, which after negotiation reduced it to N2 million from his family, as a desperate measure to raise funds to clear substantial debts. The matter is under discreet investigation,” she said.