The Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of a woman and her boyfriend for orchestrating a fake kidnapping scheme to extort money from her family. The suspects, Nmesoma Josephine Nwoye, 23, and her boyfriend, Chibuike Ogbu, 24, were apprehended following intelligence-led operations by police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu.

According to a statement released by the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Saturday, August 30, investigations revealed that Nmesoma Nwoye conspired with Chibuike Ogbu to stage her own abduction. The couple initially demanded a substantial ransom of ₦15 million from Nwoye’s family. After negotiations, the family transferred ₦3 million into Nwoye’s account as ransom payment. Police operatives successfully recovered ₦1.2 million, which was part of the ransom money paid by the family.

Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Ikioye Orutugu (also referred to as CP Orutugu), expressed profound concern over the incident. He described it as a stark reflection of the escalating moral decay within society, where young individuals are increasingly resorting to criminal activities for personal gain. The Commissioner urged parents, guardians, and religious leaders to intensify their efforts in instilling discipline, integrity, and sound values in children and wards. He also issued a stern warning to youths against engaging in