A married woman identified as Oluchi has been discovered in a hotel in Delta State after allegedly orchestrating her own kidnapping and demanding a ₦50 million ransom from her family, according to information gathered by Aljazirah News.
The incident, which initially sparked widespread concern and sympathy, reportedly led family members and friends to launch efforts aimed at securing her release after claims emerged that she had been abducted in the Ikpoba Hill area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
Among those appealing for public support were her children, including a daughter based in Canada, who pleaded for assistance in raising funds after the alleged kidnappers reportedly reduced their ransom demand from ₦50 million to ₦20 million.
However, investigations by the police reportedly uncovered a different narrative. Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that law enforcement operatives traced the phone number linked to one of the suspects to a hotel located in Ubiaroko, Delta State.
According to the source, officers stormed the hotel and allegedly found Oluchi together with her lover.
“Police traced the number of the man to a hotel in Ubiaroko, Delta State.
“They met the man and the kidnapped woman inside a hotel. They called the husband, and he was happy. It was at the station that the police broke the news to him. The wife begged the husband not to tell her children what actually transpired,” the source revealed.
The discovery reportedly shocked members of the family who had spent days believing she was in the custody of kidnappers.
In a video obtained by Aljazirah News Metro, Oluchi’s daughter, Anita, who resides in Canada, expressed deep disappointment over the development, saying the revelation had left the family devastated and emotionally traumatised.
She explained that all efforts made by the family were driven by a genuine desire to rescue their mother and ensure her safe return.
“My mum has been released. She is involved in this kidnapping case. I only did what I did to save my mom. The family is in shock. This is not right. This has shattered my family. My dad has some health issues. This is so unfortunate. What did I do wrong?
“My reputation has been ruined. I am short of words. I am so mad. I have no hand in this. I never knew. I only wanted my mother back home. The law will take its course. I am sorry this is happening. I only did what any daughter would do. My family has been shattered.”
Anita further disclosed that no ransom payment was eventually made, adding that the money raised during the fundraising campaign remained untouched and would be returned.
“We were told that my mum has been released. We didn’t pay the kidnappers. The money is intact. We are going to make a refund. We involved the police from the beginning.
“We now know it was not a real kidnapping. They said my mom is involved. They are having a relationship. The guy was traced. They had agreed to take what we already raised to N20m,” she stated.
The incident also drew reactions from the Harmony Ladies Club, a social organisation to which Anita belongs. In a statement circulated on the group’s WhatsApp platform and later obtained by journalists, the club distanced itself from the alleged staged abduction.
The organisation expressed disappointment and frustration, noting that members had mobilised resources and support in response to what they believed was a genuine emergency.
The statement read:
“When news of her alleged abduction broke, the club acted swiftly in good faith. Out of sisterhood, love, and a sense of community responsibility, we rallied immediately.
“Our members provided extensive emotional, logistical, and financial support during what we believed was a life-threatening crisis, carrying the heavy burden of anxiety alongside her family.
“It is with a profound sense of betrayal that we have now discovered, through investigations, that the entire kidnapping incident was staged by Mrs Oluchi herself.”
The club added that the revelation had left many members feeling deceived after investing time, effort, and resources into the campaign for her rescue.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has confirmed the development. The command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem, disclosed that four individuals had been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
“I can confirm the incident and also let you know that four people have been arrested in connection with the incident,” she said.
Police authorities have yet to release additional details regarding the identities of the other suspects or the specific charges they may face as investigations continue.
The case has generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy for the husband and children while calling for appropriate legal action against anyone found culpable in the alleged scheme.
