From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri and Emmanuel Ajayi, Lagos

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have apprehended a woman who allegedly faked her own kidnap and collected a ransom of N3 million  which she shared with her accomplices.

The suspect ,Merit Eleh,29, was picked up with two of her accomplices at Koka Roundabout, Asaba, and another suspect picked at off DLA Road, Asaba, o. July 22,2025 at about 9am. 

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed this yesterday in a statement, said that the arrest came as the Command continued to record operational milestones in its relentless war against crime and criminality in the state.

He said that in the latest operation, operatives of the Command successfully arrested a suspected fake kidnapper and her accomplices.

According to him,on  July 21, 2025, at about 8.30, the Command received a report of a kidnapping incident involving a female victim, who was abducted by unknown armed men in the Bonsaac area of Asaba.

Edafe disclosed that acting promptly on the report,  Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed the Commander Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad, CSP Godwin Osadolor, to ensure that the victim was rescued unhurt.

He said that acting on the directive, the command led operatives and launched a coordinated intelligence-driven operation.

Edafe further said:”Through diligent investigative efforts and strategic deployment, the operatives apprehended one Alfred Elisha,at Koka Roundabout, Asaba, and another suspect, Ugochukwu Adim ,off DLA Road, Asaba, on July 22, 2025, at about 9.30 am.

“Upon arrest of one  the suspects, he  confessed that it was not a case of an actual kidnapping,but a plot between the victim and himself. His revelation led to the arrest of the other suspect, Merit Eleh,  29.

“She confessed that she  loaned the money she used  sponsor her bridal shower and hotel expenses during her wedding, which took place in March 2025 ,from her brother,  #3,600,000 and was looking for money to pay back.

“She further stated that she faked her kidnap and received a ransom #3,000,000 and gave her accomplices #500,000, and  took #2,5000,000 for herself. The suspects involved in the fake kidnap  have been arrested, and  investigation is ongoing.”

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