A certain man simply identified as John has reportedly kidnapped himself and demanded the sum of N3m ransom from his family in Abia State.
It was learnt that the State Police Command subsequently apprehended John after they went for his rescue following the news of his kidnap.
The command’s spokesperson,
ASP Maureen Chinaka disclosed that the suspect took refuge in a guest house, where he negotiated the ransom amount with his relatives.
Chinaka further revealed that John had eventually reduced the ransom to N2 million before being apprehended by the police.
The Police Spokesperson said:
“On the 13th of November 2023, reports got to the police by family members that One John (male) of Amachara Umuahia was allegedly kidnapped by unknown assailants as he went to withdraw money along Bank Road in Umuahia.
“Responding swiftly to the report, the Abia State Police took immediate action. Utilizing surveillance intelligence, the police traced the purported kidnapping to Umuahia.
“Reaching the specified location, the police discovered Mr John at Wisdom Guest House. Examination revealed no evidence of external involvement in the alleged kidnapping.
“Mr John confessed to orchestrating his kidnap and demanding a ransom of 3 million naira, which after negotiation, reduced to 2 million naira from his family, as a desperate measure to raise funds to clear his substantial debts. The matter is under discreet investigation.
“The public is hereby advised to desist from such criminal acts. Perpetrators are subject to the full extent of the law, with a felony charge and a potential ten years imprisonment.”
