The Edo State Police Command has uncovered an alleged kidnapping scam after a married woman, identified as Oluchi, who was reported abducted, was found in a hotel in Delta State alongside her lover.
The discovery followed an investigation into a reported abduction in the Ikpoba Hill area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, where the woman's family had claimed she was kidnapped by unknown persons.
Family members, including her daughter based in Canada, had launched appeals for public support to raise funds for her release after the alleged kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of N50 million, later reduced to N20 million.
However, police investigations reportedly traced one of the suspects to a hotel in Ubiaroko, Delta State, where operatives found the woman and her alleged lover.
A source familiar with the investigation said the woman's husband was contacted after the discovery and informed of the development at the police station.
According to the source, the woman reportedly pleaded with her husband not to disclose the true circumstances of the incident to their children.
Reacting in an online video, the woman's daughter, Anita, expressed shock and disappointment over the development, saying the family had been devastated by the revelation.
She said the family genuinely believed her mother had been abducted and had involved the police from the outset in efforts to secure her release.
Anita disclosed that no ransom was paid and assured donors that funds already raised for the supposed rescue effort would be refunded.
She further alleged that investigators informed the family that her mother and the suspect had planned to obtain the ransom money that had been raised.
Meanwhile, the Harmony Ladies Club, a social group to which Anita belongs, distanced itself from the incident and expressed disappointment over the alleged deception.
In a statement, the group said its members had provided emotional, logistical and financial support to the family in what they believed was a genuine kidnapping case.
The club described the outcome of the investigation as a betrayal of the goodwill and solidarity shown by its members during the period of uncertainty.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Yamu, said four persons had been arrested in connection with the case.
He added that investigations were ongoing to determine the roles played by the suspects and establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping plot.
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