By Deborah Nnamdi
The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 27-year-old woman, Chioma Ezebie Adaniken, and two others for allegedly staging her own kidnapping to extort N5 million from her husband.
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the suspects were arrested following a thorough intelligence-led investigation by operatives attached to the New Etete Division in Benin City.
According to the statement, the incident began on October 27, 2025, when Chioma’s husband, Paul Adaniken, reported that his wife and their 3-year-old son had been kidnapped while he was away at his shop. The alleged abductors contacted him later that day, demanding N5 million as ransom for their release.
Following the report, detectives and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command launched a cyber-tracking operation that revealed shocking details. Investigators discovered that Chioma had conspired with her cousin, 33-year-old Osita Godfrey, and another accomplice, 23-year-old Martins Chidozie, to fake her own abduction.
“The supposed victim was later found to have staged her own kidnapping to extort money from her husband,” the police statement said. “All suspects have confessed to the crime, while the N5 million ransom has been recovered. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended officers of the New Etete Division for their swift and coordinated action, warning residents to desist from acts capable of undermining public peace. He assured that the command remains committed to deploying intelligence and technology-driven strategies to combat all forms of crime.
The arrest adds to a growing list of successful operations by the Edo Police Command amid rising concerns about kidnapping across the state.
