The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old woman, Miss Nmesoma Josephine Nwoye, and her 24-year-old boyfriend, Mr Chibuike Ogbu, for allegedly faking her abduction and extorting N3 million ransom from her parents.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who revealed that intelligence-led operations exposed that the supposed victim conspired with her boyfriend to stage the crime.

According to the statement, the suspects initially demanded N15 million ransom but later settled for N3 million, which was transferred directly into Nwoye’s account. A total of N1.2 million was recovered from the duo during the arrest.

Ikenga explained that the staged kidnap was uncovered following discreet tracking operations carried out by operatives of the Command. He added that the recovery of part of the ransom confirmed the fraudulent arrangement.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the crime, attributing it to rising moral decadence among youths. He called on parents, guardians, and religious leaders to intensify moral guidance, stressing that integrity and discipline remain critical in curbing such criminal tendencies.

The suspects are currently in custody, while investigations continue to determine the full extent of their scheme and any possible accomplices.