What was believed to be a kidnapping case took a dramatic turn after a married woman, identified as Oluchi, was reportedly found in a hotel in Delta State with her lover after allegedly staging her own abduction and demanding a ₦50 million ransom from her family.
The incident sparked concern among relatives and friends, with family members, including her daughter based in Canada, publicly appealing for financial assistance to secure her release after the supposed kidnappers initially demanded ₦50 million before reducing the amount to ₦20 million.
According to reports, the family had informed police that Oluchi was kidnapped in the Ikpoba Hill area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
However, investigations by security operatives reportedly uncovered a different story. Police tracked a phone number linked to one of the suspects to a hotel in Ubiaroko, Delta State, where Oluchi was allegedly found staying with a man believed to be her lover.
A source familiar with the investigation said officers discovered both individuals in the hotel and later informed Oluchi’s husband about the development.
According to the source, the woman reportedly pleaded with her husband not to reveal the true circumstances of the incident to their children.
Reacting to the development, Anita, Oluchi’s daughter who lives in Canada, expressed shock and disappointment in a video circulated online.
She said the family had been devastated by the incident and insisted that they had no knowledge of any plan to stage a kidnapping.
“My mother has been found, and we have now been told that it was not a real kidnapping. The entire family is shocked. I only did what any daughter would do to save her mother,” she said.
Anita added that no ransom was paid and that any money raised during the appeal would be refunded. She also said the family had involved the police from the beginning and would allow the law to take its course.
She described the incident as painful and embarrassing, noting that it had taken an emotional toll on the family, especially her father, who has health challenges.
The Harmony Ladies Club, a group Anita belongs to, also reacted to the development, expressing disappointment after learning that the alleged abduction was reportedly staged.
In a statement, the club said its members had provided emotional, logistical and financial support in what they believed was a genuine emergency.
The group said it felt betrayed by the outcome of the investigation, adding that it had acted in good faith to support the family during what appeared to be a life-threatening situation.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, CSP Eno Ikoedem, said four people had been arrested in connection with the case.
Police said investigations are ongoing and that those involved would face appropriate legal action if found culpable.
