A 17-year-old student from Imo State University named Jesse Chidebere has been arrested by the Orji Police for faking her kidnapping and death.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye said on Monday that the prank caused worries for her family, friends and the authority of the university community.
He explained, “Last Saturday, police received calls from worried citizens saying Chidebere was missing. A message from her WhatsApp account claimed she had been kidnapped and killed, asking her family to come to the Orji Police Station for confirmation.”
The police started a search and found Chidebere alive on Sunday. She admitted that she made up the story as a prank on social media. An investigation is ongoing to determine why she did this, and she will likely be prosecuted.
The Commissioner of Police for Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, expressed concern about this “irresponsible” behaviour, which wastes police resources and creates panic in the community. He urged parents to warn their children against dangerous pranks and spreading false information.
Danjuma emphasized, “The police are committed to fighting misinformation and ensuring a safe environment for everyone in the state.”
