A man known as John, hailing from Amachara in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State, has been apprehended by the Abia State Police Command. His arrest stems from the alleged fabrication of his own kidnapping and subsequent demand for a three-million-naira ransom from his family.
John, as disclosed by the police, had taken refuge at Wisdom Guest House, utilizing it as a base for negotiating the ransom with his relatives. However, the Police Surveillance and Intelligence strategy led to his capture.
According to a statement released by ASP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Commissioner of Police in Abia State, the feigned kidnapping took a turn as John revised the ransom amount from three million naira to two million naira before being taken into custody.
“On the 13th of November 2023, reports got to the police by family members that One John Male of Amachara Umuahiah 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 Umuahiah.
“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 demanded 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 substantial debts. The matter is under discreet investigation,” she said.
