The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in a fake kidnapping case, arresting a suspect and her accomplice who allegedly staged the kidnapping to collect a ransom. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the command received a report on July 21, 2025, about a kidnapping incident involving a female victim who was allegedly abducted by unknown armed men in the Ajaji (Bonsaac) Layout of Asaba.
Acting promptly on the report, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed the Commander of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad, Godwin Osadolor, to ensure the victim’s safe rescue. The police launched a coordinated intelligence-driven operation and apprehended two suspects, Alfred Elisha and Ugochukwu Adim, on July 22, 2025. Further investigation revealed that the kidnapping was staged, and the suspects confessed to the crime.
The mastermind behind the fake kidnapping was identified as Merit Eleh, a 29-year-old woman who had allegedly orchestrated the plot to collect a ransom. According to Edafe, Eleh confessed that she had used a loan of N3.6 million from her brother to sponsor her bridal shower and hotel expenses during her wedding in March 2025. She then faked her kidnapping and collected a ransom of N3 million, giving her accomplices N500,000 and keeping N2.5 million for herself.
The police have arrested all the suspects involved in the fake kidnapping, and an investigation is ongoing. The Delta State Police Command has continued to record operational milestones in its war against crime of kidnapping and criminality in the state. Edafe said the command is committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in Delta State.
The fake kidnapping plot highlights the need for increased vigilance and awareness about the dangers of such crimes. The police are urging anyone with information about similar incidents to come forward and report to the authorities. The command’s swift action in this case has been commended, and the public is assured that the police will continue to work tirelessly to prevent and investigate crimes in Delta State.
