The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old woman, Chioma Ezebie Adaniken, along with her cousin and an accomplice, for allegedly faking her own kidnapping in a bid to extort ₦5 million from her husband.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the suspects were apprehended following a diligent investigation and intelligence-led operation by operatives attached to the New Etete Division in Benin City.
According to the statement, Chioma’s husband, Mr. Paul Adaniken, had reported to the police on October 27, 2025, that his wife and their three-year-old son, Andrea Ojiezelabor, were missing after he left home earlier that morning for work.
Later that day, he reportedly received a ransom call from an unknown number demanding ₦5 million for the release of his wife and son. Acting swiftly, detectives from the division, with support from the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, launched a coordinated investigation that exposed the elaborate hoax.
The investigation revealed that Chioma had conspired with her cousin, Osita Godfrey (33), and another suspect, Martins Chidozie (23), to stage her abduction and demand ransom from her unsuspecting husband.
“His confessional statement led to the arrest of the supposed victim, Chioma Adaniken, who conspired with her accomplices to stage her own abduction in order to extort money from her husband,” the statement read.
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All three suspects reportedly confessed to the crime, and the ₦5 million ransom has been recovered. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the officers for their professionalism and swift response, describing the act as “deceitful and shameful.” He also warned members of the public to desist from criminal acts capable of undermining public peace.
“The Command will continue to deploy intelligence and technology-driven strategies to combat crime in all forms,” Agbonika stated.
The arrest comes amid rising concerns over criminal activities in Edo State. Despite recent crackdowns, incidents of kidnapping and violent crimes have persisted. The Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of criminal acts face justice in accordance with the law.