A 23-year-old woman, identified as Nmesoma Josephine Nwoye, has been arrested for allegedly faking her own abduction in order to extort money from her parents.

The young woman reportedly carried out the scheme alongside her 24-year-old boyfriend, Chibuike Ogbu.

Both suspects were apprehended on Friday by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command, who also recovered N1.2 million from them, part of the ransom earlier collected from her parents.

This was revealed in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

According to the police, the suspects had initially demanded N15 million from Nmesoma’s parents but later reduced it to N3 million, which was paid into her personal account.

The statement read:
“The suspects, identified as Nmesoma Josephine Nwoye, female, aged 23 years, and Chibuike Ogbu, male, aged 24 years, were arrested after intelligence-led operations uncovered that the supposed victim conspired with Chibuike (her boyfriend) to stage her own abduction.

“The operatives also recovered the sum of N1,200,000 (one million and two hundred thousand naira), being part of the ransom earlier paid by the girl’s family members.

“Further information reveals that the suspects demanded N15,000,000 (fifteen million naira) ransom, and after negotiation, N3,000,000 (three million naira) was transferred into the victim’s account.”

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, described the incident as a reflection of moral decay in society, noting that many young people are increasingly turning to crime for selfish gains.

He urged parents, guardians, and religious leaders to redouble efforts in instilling discipline, integrity, and sound values in their children and wards.