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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Edo State Police Command, yesterday, announced that it has arrested a woman, Chioma Ezebie Adaniken and her accomplice for faking her kidnap.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, in a statement, said the woman connived with her cousin and one other suspect, demanding N5 million for her release.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that its operatives attached to New Etete Division, Benin City, have successfully uncovered and apprehended suspects involved in a case of self-kidnapping, following diligent investigation and coordinated intelligence operations.
“On October 27, 2025, one Paul Adaniken of 111 Limit Road, off Sapele Road, Benin City, reported at New Etete Police Division that at about 07:3 am, he left his wife, Chioma Success Ezebie, 27, and their 3-year-old son, Andrea Ojiezelabor, at home before proceeding to his shop.
“Later that day, at about midday, he received a phone call from an unknown number, informing him that his wife and son had been kidnapped, with the abductors demanding a ransom of ₦5m for their release.
“Upon receipt of the complaint, detectives from New Etete Division immediately commenced investigations, while the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit launched a full-scale cyber analysis and the intelligence-led operations that yielded a major breakthrough revealing startling details: the victim’s cousin, Osita Godfrey ,33, who was earlier believed to be assisting with information, was arrested and found to be complicit in the crime.
“His confessional statement led to the arrest of the supposed victim, Chioma Adaniken ‘f’, aged 27, who conspired with her accomplices to stage her own abduction in order to extort money from her husband.
“Another suspect, Martins Chidozie, 23, was also arrested in connection with the crime. The suspects have made useful confessional statements, ransom of N5 million recovered and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department(SCID),for further investigation and onward prosecution”, the statement said.
Reacting to the development, the State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended the officers of the New Etete Division for their swift and tactical response, which led to the unraveling of this deceitful act.
He warned residents to desist from acts capable of undermining public peace, while emphasizing that the command would continue to deploy intelligence and technology-driven strategies to combat crime in all forms.
