By Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old woman, identified as Nwachukwu Chidubem Blessing, over alleged conspiracy, fraud and suspected self-kidnapping after her family reportedly paid N3 million ransom for her release.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, Tochukwu Ikenga(SP) revealed this in a statement on Sunday.
He said Blessing was arrested by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, following credible intelligence gathered during investigation into a reported kidnapping incident.
According to the PPRO, the suspect was allegedly abducted along the Onitsha–Asaba Expressway on August 29, 2026.
However, after her family reportedly paid N3 million as ransom, she was allegedly not released, prompting the Police to intensify investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following sustained intelligence gathering and investigative efforts, RRS operatives, on the afternoon of September 18, traced and located the alleged victim in a room in Asaba, Delta State, where she was recovered.
Preliminary findings, according to the Police Spokesperson indicate that Blessing may have conspired with a female associate identified only as Onyinye and another male accomplice, whose identity is yet to be established, to allegedly stage her own kidnap and obtain money from her family.
Ikenga said the arrested suspect is currently assisting investigators with useful information that could help establish the full circumstances of the incident and identify and apprehend her alleged accomplices.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama(CP) has directed that the investigation be intensified to unravel the circumstances surrounding the alleged self-kidnapping and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.