The Edo State Police Command has arrested a woman, Chioma Success Adaniken, for allegedly staging her own abduction and collecting ₦5 million ransom from her unsuspecting husband.
The arrest followed a report made by her husband, Mr. Paul Adaniken, at the New Etete Police Division, Benin City, on October 27, 2025. According to the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, the husband told the police that he left his wife and their 3-year-old son at home but later received a call from an unknown person claiming that both had been kidnapped and demanding ₦5 million for their release.
Following the report, detectives launched a covert investigation, including cyber-tracking and intelligence-led operations. The probe soon uncovered that the so-called “victim” was, in fact, complicit in her own abduction.
The DPPRO revealed that Chioma’s cousin, identified as Osita Godfrey, who initially appeared to assist the investigation, was arrested and confessed to the conspiracy. His statement led to the arrest of Chioma herself and another accomplice, 23-year-old Martins Chidozie.
The suspects confessed to staging the kidnap to extort money from Chioma’s husband. Police recovered the ₦5 million ransom in cash.
Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the officers for their swift and tactical response, warning residents to desist from actions capable of undermining public trust.
He vowed that the Command will continue to deploy intelligence and technology-driven strategies to tackle crime in all forms, assuring that all suspects will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
