The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old woman, identified as Nwachukwu Blessing, over an alleged case of conspiracy, fraud and self-kidnapping after her family reportedly paid ₦3 million in ransom.
The suspect was allegedly abducted along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway on August 29, 2026. However, she was not released after her family paid the ransom, prompting the police to launch an investigation.
According to the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the woman was arrested on Friday by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, following credible intelligence gathered during the investigation.
Ikenga, in a statement issued on Sunday, said police operatives traced the suspect to a room in Asaba, Delta State, on the afternoon of September 18, where she was found and recovered.
“Preliminary findings from the investigation indicated that the lady allegedly conspired with a female associate identified as Onyinye, whose other names are yet to be established, and another male accomplice, whose identity is presently unknown, to stage her own kidnapping and obtain money from her family,” Ikenga said.
The police spokesperson said the investigation showed that the alleged kidnapping was staged by the suspect and her accomplices to obtain money from her family.
The arrested woman is currently assisting the police with information to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify the alleged accomplices.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, has directed that the investigation be intensified to uncover the full circumstances of the case and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
