BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Police in Edo State have arrested a married woman, Mrs. Oluchi, and her alleged boyfriend after she was reported missing and a ransom demand was made to her family. Authorities later confirmed the supposed kidnapping was fabricated.
Mrs. Oluchi, a businesswoman from the Ramat Park area of Benin City, was declared missing earlier this week. Shortly after, her husband, Mr. Tony, received a call from an unknown number claiming she had been kidnapped. The caller demanded ₦50 million for her release, sparking panic among relatives and friends.
Her daughter, Anita Ugbowan, a Canada-based social media influencer with thousands of followers, quickly became the face of the family’s desperate fundraising efforts. Known for her lifestyle and motivational content on Instagram and TikTok, Anita launched an online crowdfunding campaign, appealing to her audience for urgent donations. She posted emotional videos describing her mother’s plight, urging followers to help save Oluchi’s life. Within hours, contributions poured in from friends, relatives, and strangers. Offline, church groups and neighbors also pledged support, believing they were helping to rescue a kidnapped mother. Anita’s influence gave the campaign global reach, with donations coming from Nigerians abroad as well.
Mr. Tony reported the matter to the Edo State Anti‑Kidnapping Unit of the Nigeria Police Force. Investigators traced the phone number used for the ransom demand to a hotel in Obiaruku, Delta State. When officers arrived, they found Mrs. Oluchi in a room with a man identified as Israel Ability. Both were taken into custody and, according to police, later confessed that the kidnapping story had been staged.
In a press release, the Edo State Police Command said the Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Unit had successfully uncovered a staged abduction involving Mrs. Oluchi and her accomplice. “Following a distress report lodged by Mr. Tony on June 1, 2026, our officers immediately commenced a thorough investigation. Through advanced technical intelligence and diligent fieldwork, the Command traced the ransom calls to a hotel in Obiaruku. Upon arrival, operatives discovered Mrs. Oluchi in the company of Mr. Ability. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident,” the statement read.
Police said evidence recovered included mobile devices used to make ransom calls and video recordings staged to depict Mrs. Oluchi as a victim. “The Command strongly condemns this act, which not only undermines public trust but also diverts critical resources from genuine kidnapping cases. Kidnapping remains a serious crime under Nigerian law, and staging such incidents carries severe criminal consequences,” the statement continued.
Authorities commended the vigilance of family and community members who mobilized quickly to raise funds, including online campaigns initiated by Anita. “While their efforts were made in good faith, the Command urges citizens to exercise caution and report suspected abductions directly to law enforcement before engaging in fundraising activities,” police said.
The revelation drew widespread attention online and offline. Social media users reacted with disbelief and anger. One user wrote: “This is a betrayal of trust beyond imagination. Families suffer while she was hiding in a hotel.” Another commented: “Kidnapping is a serious crime in Nigeria. To fake it for personal reasons is wickedness.”
Analysts and civic groups echoed the outrage. “This incident undermines public confidence in genuine kidnapping cases and wastes police resources,” said commentator Chika Okoye. Women’s groups condemned the act, stressing that it reinforced harmful stereotypes and damaged the credibility of women who face real dangers daily.
Mr. Tony, who initially believed his wife had been rescued, was devastated when police revealed the truth. Anita has since promised refunds to donors who contributed to the crowdfunding campaign. The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue, with charges expected once the inquiry is complete.
