Police arrest 22-year-old woman over self-kidnap in Anambra

Photo of the suspect... Credit: Anambra State Police Command

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old woman, identified as Nwachukwu Blessing, in connection with an alleged case of conspiracy, fraud and suspected self-kidnapping, following the payment of N3 million ransom by her family.

It was gathered that the suspect allegedly conspired with a female associate identified as “Onyinye” and another male accomplice, whose identity is presently unknown, to stage her own kidnapping and obtain money from her family.

In a press statement released on Sunday, the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said she was arrested on Friday by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following credible intelligence.

Ikenga added that the suspect was reportedly abducted along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway on August 29, but despite the payment of N3 million ransom by her family, she was allegedly not released, prompting further investigation by the police.

He said, “The suspect was arrested by Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following credible intelligence received in the course of an investigation into a reported kidnapping incident.

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“The lady was reportedly abducted along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway on 29th August 2026. However, despite the payment of N3 million ransom by her family, she was allegedly not released, prompting further investigation by the Police.

“Following sustained intelligence gathering and investigative efforts, Police Operatives, in the afternoon of September 18, 2026, traced and located the alleged victim in a room in Asaba, Delta State, where she was recovered.

“Preliminary findings from the investigation indicated that the lady allegedly conspired with a female associate identified as Onyinye, whose other names are yet to be established, and another male accomplice, whose identity is presently unknown, to stage her own kidnapping and obtain money from her family.”

According to Ikenga, the arrested suspect is currently assisting the police with useful information towards establishing the full circumstances of the incident, as well as identifying and apprehending her alleged accomplices.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, has directed that the investigation be intensified to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law.