Anambra Police Arrest 22-Year-Old Woman Over Alleged Self-Kidnap After Family Pays N3m Ransom

By Praise Chinecherem

A reported kidnapping case in Anambra State has taken a new turn following the arrest of a 22-year-old woman after her family allegedly paid N3 million in ransom without securing her release.

The Anambra State Police Command said the woman, identified as Nwachukwu Chidubem Blessing, was arrested in connection with alleged conspiracy, fraud and self-kidnapping.

The command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, September 20, 2026, stating that operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, apprehended the suspect following credible intelligence gathered during investigations into the reported kidnapping.

Police Trace Alleged Kidnap Victim to Asaba

According to Ikenga, the suspect was reportedly abducted along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway on August 29, 2026.

He explained that despite the payment of N3 million ransom by her family, the woman was not released, prompting further investigation by the Police.

Ikenga said sustained intelligence gathering and investigative efforts eventually led operatives to a room in Asaba, Delta State, where the alleged victim was located and recovered on the afternoon of September 18, 2026.

“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,” Ikenga stated.

Police Investigate Alleged Conspiracy

The police spokesperson said preliminary findings indicated that the woman allegedly worked with two accomplices to stage her own abduction and obtain money from her family.

He identified one of the alleged accomplices as a female associate known as Onyinye, whose other names have not yet been established, while the identity of the male accomplice remains unknown.

“Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate 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,” he said.

Ikenga added that the arrested woman was assisting the Police with information aimed at establishing the full circumstances of the incident and identifying and apprehending her alleged accomplices.

Police Commissioner Orders Further Investigation

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, directed that the investigation be intensified to uncover the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.

“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,” Ikenga added.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the suspect and her alleged accomplices are yet to be determined in court.

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