A student of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Helen Kayode, has been arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command for allegedly faking her own kidnapping in order to spend time with her boyfriend.
The incident, which unfolded on May 1, caused widespread panic in Iworoko-Ekiti and Ado-Ekiti after Helen reportedly sent a distress message to her sister, claiming she had mistakenly entered the wrong bus and was abducted.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the police spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, the message quickly went viral on social media, creating fear and sparking public concern over the state’s security.
“Helen Kayode claimed she was being held hostage in an uncompleted building surrounded by bushes,” Abutu said. “The report disrupted the otherwise calm and peaceful environment the state currently enjoys.”
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However, police investigations revealed that the student was neither kidnapped nor in danger. She had instead chosen to remain in Ado-Ekiti to celebrate her birthday with her boyfriend, who had promised her a surprise celebration.
“The suspect confessed that she deliberately sent the false message to avoid returning to Lagos as instructed by her parents,” Abutu added.
Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, condemned the act and described it as reckless and unlawful. He stressed that spreading false information is a criminal offence and warned that such actions would not be tolerated.
He also confirmed that Kayode will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation, reaffirming the command’s dedication to maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law in Ekiti State.