Lovebirds busted in ₦15m fake kidnap plot in Anambra

By Obinna Unaeze

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a young man and his girlfriend for allegedly faking her abduction in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, to extort money from her family.

Police spokesman in Anambra SP Tochukwu Ikenga said in a statement on Saturday that intelligence-led operations exposed the plot, revealing that the 23-year-old woman conspired with her 24-year-old boyfriend to demand a ransom of ₦15 million.

After negotiations, ₦3 million was paid into the woman’s account.

Ikenga confirmed that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad recovered ₦1.2 million, part of the ransom already collected before the scheme was uncovered.

The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the act, describing it as a dangerous sign of moral collapse among youths. He urged parents, guardians, and religious leaders to intensify efforts in instilling discipline and sound values.

Orutugu further warned that no matter how cleverly disguised, criminal ventures would always be exposed and punished by law enforcement. (NAN)