The Edo State Police Command has uncovered an alleged self-kidnapping scheme involving a 45-year-old woman, Mrs. Oluchi Ugbowan, who was arrested alongside three accomplices for allegedly staging her own abduction in a bid to extort N50 million from her family and members of the public.
The dramatic case, which has generated widespread reactions on social media, began on May 28, 2026, when Mrs. Ugbowan reportedly disappeared while on her way to her shop in Benin City.
According to police reports, her husband, Mr. Tony Ugbowan, reported her disappearance to authorities, while her daughter, Anita Ugbowan, who lives in Canada, launched an emotional social media campaign appealing for public assistance after alleged kidnappers demanded a ransom of N50 million.
However, investigations by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Edo State Police Command reportedly revealed that the abduction was staged.
Police said intelligence gathering and cyber-tracking efforts led detectives to a hotel in Delta State, where Mrs. Ugbowan was allegedly found staying with one of the suspects instead of being held captive.
The police subsequently arrested three other suspects identified as Israel Ability, 28; Ochukwudem Uwadia, 38; and Chibuzor Uwadia, 18.
During the operation, officers recovered a pump-action firearm allegedly used in producing ransom videos and other materials sent to family members to convince them that the kidnapping was genuine.
Authorities disclosed that all four suspects allegedly confessed to participating in the scheme.
The Edo State Police Command described the arrests as a major breakthrough in its efforts to combat the growing trend of fake kidnapping incidents and fraudulent ransom demands aimed at exploiting public sympathy.
The discovery has reportedly left family members devastated, particularly Anita Ugbowan, whose emotional appeals attracted attention and support from concerned individuals online.
Following the revelation, Anita reportedly expressed shock and disappointment over the incident and pledged to refund any donations received from members of the public who contributed toward securing her mother’s release.
The case has sparked widespread outrage and debate on social media, with many Nigerians raising concerns about the impact of fake kidnapping claims on genuine victims and law enforcement agencies.
Security analysts note that such incidents not only waste police resources but also undermine public trust and may affect responses to real kidnapping emergencies.
Reacting to the development, the Edo State Police Command warned residents against engaging in self-kidnapping, false reporting, and other forms of criminal deception, stressing that offenders would face prosecution under the law.
The command also urged members of the public to exercise caution and verify claims before making financial contributions to online fundraising campaigns linked to alleged kidnapping cases.
Police said investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged in court upon completion of the inquiry.
The incident has renewed calls for stronger public awareness campaigns and stricter penalties for individuals who fabricate kidnapping incidents for financial gain.
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Edo Police parade suspects in alleged self-kidnapping and N50 million ransom scam uncovered in Benin City.
Social Media Caption:
Shocking twist in Edo! A woman allegedly staged her own kidnapping and demanded N50 million ransom before police tracked her to a hotel in Delta State. Three accomplices were arrested and a firearm recovered. #EdoNews #KidnappingScam #BreakingNews #NigeriaNews
