The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old woman, Merit Alice, for allegedly faking her own abduction after diverting ₦3.6 million meant for a business transaction to fund her bridal shower and hotel accommodation for friends.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, Alice conspired with two accomplices to stage the kidnapping after her brother, who had given her the money to purchase a tricycle, began demanding a refund.
READ MORE: Car Theft Ring Busted in Kano, Vehicle Tracked to Niger Republic
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Edafe, in a video posted on his official X account, revealed that the incident occurred on July 20 when Alice told her husband she was stepping out, but hours later, the family received news that she had been kidnapped. The supposed kidnappers demanded a ₦3 million ransom, which was eventually paid by Alice’s husband and family members.
The police, acting through the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad, launched an investigation and arrested one of the suspects involved. The suspect later confessed, exposing the entire scheme.
Alice, upon interrogation, admitted to orchestrating the fake kidnap. She confessed to spending ₦3.6 million to organise her bridal shower and lodge her friends during her March wedding. She further revealed that she withdrew ₦2.5 million from a POS agent and gave ₦500,000 to each of her two accomplices.
She identified one of the accomplices, named Peter, as a security guard at her former place of work. Alice claimed she hatched the plan due to mounting pressure from her brother to refund the money.
SP Edafe commended the swift action of the officers who cracked the case and reassured the public that the Delta State Police Command remains committed to tackling all forms of criminal activity.
EFCC Arrests 32 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Bauchi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 32 individuals suspected of involvement in internet fraud during a coordinated operation in Bauchi State.
The Commission made the disclosure in a statement shared via its official Facebook page on Monday, confirming that the suspects were apprehended by operatives from the Gombe Zonal Directorate.
