Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested 23-year-old Nmesoma Josephine Nwoye for faking her own kidnapping and recovering N1.2 million from her boyfriend as part of a N3 million ransom her parents paid for her release.
The state police public relations officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, identified the boyfriend as 24-year-old Chibuike Ogbu.
SP Ikenga explained that officers from the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, arrested Nmesoma and Chibuike following an intelligence-led operation that uncovered their fraudulent scheme.
Investigations revealed that the suspects initially demanded a ransom of N15 million, but after negotiations, N3 million was transferred into the victim’s account.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as a troubling sign of rising moral decay in society, where young people increasingly turn to crime for selfish gains.
SP Ikenga added that the police chief urged parents, guardians, and religious leaders to intensify efforts in instilling discipline, integrity, and strong values in their children and wards.
The CP also warned youths against engaging in self-destructive activities, emphasizing that the long arm of the law will always catch up with criminals, no matter how cleverly their schemes are disguised.
