Delta Police arrest girl for faking kidnapping, recover ₦2 million ransom

The Delta State Police Command has apprehended a young woman, Princess Okolie, for orchestrating her own kidnapping and extorting ₦2 million in ransom from her parents.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the details of the case in a statement released on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 

According to the statement, the incident began on January 2, 2025, when Mrs. Oliko Joy reported to the police that her daughter, Princess Okolie, had been missing since December 30, 2024. The family later received a call claiming that Princess had been kidnapped, with the alleged abductors demanding a ransom of ₦2 million for her release.  

Responding to the distressing report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, tasked the command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad with ensuring the safe rescue of the supposed victim and the apprehension of the culprits.

Under the leadership of CSP Labe Joseph, the squad launched an intelligence-driven investigation that led to the arrest of Prince Atigbi, who had collected the ransom. Upon interrogation, Atigbi revealed that he was not a kidnapper but had been colluding with Princess Okolie, who was his girlfriend.  

Subsequent investigations uncovered that Princess had staged her own abduction to extort money from her parents. Both suspects were promptly taken into custody, and the ransom money was recovered.  

The police have confirmed that the suspects remain in detention as further investigations continue.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has urged parents and guardians to take their responsibilities seriously by instilling strong moral values in their children.  

“We must guide our children in the ways of God and instill discipline from an early age so that they do not become problems for their families and society,” the commissioner stated.

The police command also reaffirmed its commitment to tackling crime and maintaining law and order in the state.