A 31-year-old man, Chukwemeka Destiny, has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command for allegedly masterminding a plot to kidnap his aunt who raised him.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed this on Saturday while parading the suspect, noting that Destiny allegedly paid N900,000 to individuals he believed were kidnappers to abduct the woman.
Police investigations revealed that the suspect lived with the victim from the age of five to 15, during which she catered for his welfare and education before he severed ties with the family.
Describing the incident as part of a growing pattern of betrayal, Edafe said the case reflected increasing incidents where individuals turn against their benefactors.
He said, “Suddenly, he conceived the idea of kidnapping the same aunt who trained and educated him. We have recorded cases where employees attack their employers or security guards turn on their bosses to steal valuables. It is a disturbing trend.”
Edafe further disclosed that the suspect made the payment in two instalments—N200,000 and N700,000.
The plot, however, collapsed after the individuals he contacted were not kidnappers but instead handed him over to the police.
“Unknown to him, those he approached were not kidnappers. They played along and eventually turned him in, thereby saving the intended victim,” Edafe added.
During interrogation, Destiny admitted to the offence but claimed he could not explain the reason behind his actions.
“I am guilty of what happened. I don’t know what came over me,” he reportedly said.
The suspect, who identified himself as a married father of two, attributed his actions to external influence when further questioned.
He added that he runs a haulage and building materials business, from which he sourced the money used for the failed operation.
“I first paid N200,000 and later added N700,000, making N900,000,” he said.
Reacting to the development, the aunt, who identified the suspect as her elder sister’s son, expressed shock and grief over the incident.
“I was shocked… I couldn’t hold back tears,” she said.
She explained that since leaving her home at 15, Destiny had neither maintained contact nor returned to the family house, despite being seen occasionally within the neighbourhood.
“He stayed away and would not visit us, even when he was around the area,” she added.
On whether she preferred leniency, the woman insisted that the law should be allowed to take its full course.
“Whatever the law decides should be done,” she said.
Edafe commended her stance, stressing the need for families to support justice rather than shield offenders.
“In many cases, relatives try to protect suspects, but such actions often lead to more tragic outcomes. It is important that the law is allowed to prevail,” he said.
The suspect remains in the custody of the Raiders Squad of the Delta State Police Command as investigations continue.
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