Why I Faked My Abduction for N50m Ransom – Woman Finally Confesses

A 45-year-old Edo woman arrested over a reported kidnapping case has admitted that she orchestrated her own abduction in a desperate attempt to raise money and settle mounting debts.

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The woman, identified as Oluchi Ugbowan, told police investigators that she voluntarily went into hiding and later worked with several accomplices to create the impression that she had been kidnapped. 

Her confession came after operatives of the Edo State Police Command uncovered what authorities described as a carefully planned deception involving ransom demands to her family.

According to her account, financial pressure prompted her to participate in the scheme after creditors intensified their efforts to recover the money she owed. 

She said the original plan was to obtain a relatively small amount from relatives, but the arrangement gradually expanded into a fake kidnapping operation that involved ransom negotiations and threatening videos.

“I was overwhelmed by debt and made a terrible decision,” she reportedly told investigators. 

“My intention was to get money quickly to solve my financial problems, but the situation got completely out of control.”

Ugbowan explained that after leaving home, she contacted one of the suspects and discussed ways to convince her family that she had been abducted. 

She said a ransom demand was eventually placed on her relatives, with an initial request running into tens of millions of naira.

Investigators said the group later produced videos designed to strengthen the kidnapping narrative. 

In one of the recordings, Ugbowan appeared restrained while individuals posed as armed abductors threatening her life.

She admitted that she actively participated in creating the footage and even suggested using weapons to make the scenario appear more believable.

“We wanted the evidence to look convincing so that negotiations would move faster,” she said. “Looking back now, I regret every part of it.”

Police also questioned Israel Ability, one of the suspects arrested in connection with the case. He claimed Ugbowan approached him with the proposal and asked for assistance in executing the plan.

According to him, he purchased the SIM card allegedly used to contact the victim’s family and demand ransom. 

He further stated that hotel accommodation was arranged for the operation and that several calls were made as part of the plot.

“She explained what she wanted to do and asked for help,” he said during questioning. “I agreed without fully thinking about the consequences. Now I realise it was a serious mistake.”

Another suspect, Chinedu Chibuzor, told investigators he believed the activity was merely a staged drama. 

He claimed he was informed that the recording was intended for a church-related performance and did not initially understand the broader objective.

“I was told it was a drama presentation,” he said. “I did not know it would become a criminal matter.”

Meanwhile, the father of the two brothers admitted owning the firearm that appeared in the video sent to the woman’s family. 

He told police the weapon was unlicensed and had been obtained for local vigilante activities.

Authorities said the video used in the ransom negotiations was recorded inside his residence. 

The man acknowledged that the suspects involved were his children and confirmed that his family was acquainted with Ugbowan.

The case attracted public attention after relatives reported Ugbowan missing and efforts were made to secure her release following ransom demands. 

However, police investigations later uncovered evidence suggesting that the kidnapping had been fabricated.

The Edo State Police Command has not yet announced the full extent of charges that may be filed against the suspects, but officials said investigations remain ongoing.

Security experts have warned that staging kidnappings can divert law enforcement resources from genuine victims and complicate efforts to combat the growing threat of abduction across Nigeria.

Police said the arrests underscore the importance of thorough investigations and urged members of the public to avoid criminal schemes regardless of financial difficulties.