Man from Amachara, Umuahia South LGA of Abia State fakes own kidnap, demands ransom

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : Man Arrested for Faking His Own Kidnap and Demanding Ransom

A man identified as John, hailing from Amachara in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State, has been apprehended by the Abia State Police Command for orchestrating his own kidnapping and demanding a ransom of three million naira from his relatives. The incident took place at Wisdom Guest House, where John was negotiating the payment of his ransom with his family members before the police intervened.

According to a statement released by ASP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer of Abia State Police Command, the fake kidnap victim had initially demanded three million naira as ransom but later reduced it to two million naira. The police were able to track down John through their Surveillance and Intelligence strategy.

The incident was reported to the police on the 13th of November 2023 by John’s family members, who claimed that he was abducted by unknown assailants while he was withdrawing money along Bank Road in Umuahia. Acting swiftly on the report, the Abia State Police initiated immediate action and utilized surveillance intelligence to trace the alleged kidnapping to Umuahia.

Upon reaching the specified location, the police discovered John at Wisdom Guest House. Upon examination, there was no evidence of external involvement in the supposed kidnapping. Subsequently, John confessed to masterminding his own abduction and demanding a ransom of three million naira from his family. However, after negotiations, he agreed to reduce the ransom amount to two million naira. John claimed that he resorted to such drastic measures in order to raise funds and settle substantial debts.

The Abia State Police Command has launched a discreet investigation into the matter. The motive behind John’s actions and the extent of his debts are currently under scrutiny. The police aim to ascertain whether there are any other individuals involved in this elaborate scheme.

Cases of individuals fabricating their own abductions for financial gain have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Such incidents not only waste valuable police resources but also create unnecessary panic and distress among the public. The Abia State Police Command has urged the public to refrain from engaging in such fraudulent activities, as they will face severe legal consequences.

This incident serves as a reminder that fabricating crimes not only undermines the integrity of law enforcement agencies but also has far-reaching consequences for the individuals involved. Society must work together to discourage and prevent such deceptive acts in order to maintain a safe and trustworthy community..