Edo police arrest woman for fake kidnap after uncovering a plot by Chioma Adaniken and her accomplices to extort N5m from her husband

Edo police arrest woman for fake kidnap after uncovering a carefully staged abduction orchestrated by 27-year-old Chioma Ezebie Adaniken and her accomplices to extort ₦5 million from her husband.

Also read: Edo Police Rescue Girl, Foil Kidnap Attempt

The Edo State Police Command revealed the shocking development in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, noting that the arrest was the result of coordinated intelligence and cyber operations.

According to the statement, Chioma’s husband, Paul Adaniken, reported to the New Etete Police Division on 27 October 2025 that his wife and three-year-old son had been kidnapped earlier that day, with the alleged abductors demanding ₦5 million for their release.

However, following extensive investigations, detectives discovered that the supposed victim had staged her own abduction in collaboration with her cousin, Osita Godfrey, and another accomplice, Martins Chidozie, aged 23.

ASP Ikoedem explained that Godfrey, who initially pretended to assist the police with information, was found to be complicit in the plot. His confession subsequently led to Chioma’s arrest.

“All suspects have made useful confessional statements, the ransom of ₦5 million has been recovered, and the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution,” the police said.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, commended officers of the New Etete Division for their swift response and intelligence-led operation, describing the act as “deceitful and shameful.”

He urged residents to desist from acts capable of disturbing public peace, assuring that the command remains committed to using technology and intelligence to tackle all forms of crime across the state.

Also read: Edo Police Rescue Kidnapped Victims in Gun Duel, One Killed in Crossfire

The incident adds to a series of recent criminal cases in Edo, where authorities continue to intensify efforts to curb kidnapping and related offences.