BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Police in Edo State have arrested a married woman and her alleged boyfriend after she was reported missing and a ransom demand was made to her family. Authorities say 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 who began raising funds.
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. 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.
The case has drawn 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.”
Social commentators echoed the outrage. “This incident undermines public confidence in genuine kidnapping cases and wastes police resources,” said analyst Chika Okoye. Policy makers also weighed in, with Edo State officials stressing that false reports of abduction will be prosecuted vigorously. “We cannot allow fabricated kidnappings to distract from the fight against real criminal networks,” a state security adviser said.
Stakeholders in community safety urged vigilance. “Every false alarm diverts manpower from rescuing actual victims,” noted a representative of the Civil Society Against Kidnapping. Nigerian women’s groups also condemned the act, saying it reinforced harmful stereotypes. “This is not just a family scandal; it damages the credibility of women who face real dangers daily,” said activist Ngozi Eze.
Mr. Tony, who initially believed his wife had been rescued, was devastated when police revealed the truth. “I thought she was safe. I didn’t know she was never in danger,” he reportedly told friends.
The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue. Authorities say charges will be determined once the inquiry is complete.
