The Delta State Police Command has apprehended a 27-year-old woman, Merit Alice, for orchestrating her own kidnapping after misappropriating N3.6 million that was intended for a business transaction.
According to Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, Alice staged the abduction to evade pressure from her brother who had given her the money to purchase a tricycle. Instead of fulfilling the business agreement, she reportedly spent the funds on her bridal shower and hotel accommodations for friends during her wedding in March.
The elaborate scheme unfolded on July 20 when Alice told her husband she was stepping out, only for the family to later receive information that she had been kidnapped. The supposed kidnappers demanded a N3 million ransom, which was subsequently paid by her concerned husband and family members.
SP Edafe revealed that the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad launched an investigation that led to the arrest of one of Alice's accomplices, who confessed to the plot. Alice later admitted to the crime during questioning.
"She confessed to withdrawing N2.5 million from a POS agent and giving N500,000 to her accomplices," SP Edafe stated. One of the accomplices was identified as Peter, a security guard at Alice's former workplace.
When questioned about her motives, Alice cited mounting pressure from her brother to return the money as the driving force behind orchestrating the fake kidnapping.
The police spokesperson commended the officers involved in the investigation and assured that the command would continue its efforts to clamp down on criminal activities throughout Delta State.
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