Police arrest 22-year-old over self-kidnap after N3m ransom payment

Nkechi David Iwuchukwu, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old lady, Nwachukwu Chidubem Blessing, over an alleged case of conspiracy, fraud and suspected self-kidnapping after her family reportedly paid ₦3 million ransom for her release.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued in Awka on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

The suspect was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, following credible intelligence generated during an investigation into a reported kidnapping incident.

Blessing was reportedly abducted along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway on August 29, 2026.

However, following the payment of the ₦3 million ransom by her family, the alleged victim was reportedly not released, prompting the Police to intensify the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation reportedly paid off on the afternoon of September 18, when Police operatives, acting on sustained intelligence gathering, traced and located the 22-year-old in a room in Asaba, Delta State.

Preliminary findings, according to the Police, indicated that Blessing allegedly conspired with a female associate identified only as Onyinye, whose other names are yet to be established, and another male accomplice, whose identity remains unknown, to stage her own kidnap and obtain money from her family.

The Police said the arrested suspect is assisting investigators with useful information towards establishing the full circumstances of the incident and identifying and apprehending her alleged accomplices.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, has directed that the investigation be intensified to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged self-kidnapping.

He further ordered that all persons found culpable should be brought to justice in accordance with the law.