The Delta State Police Command has said it is true of a story doing the round that a housewife, Mrs Grace Obi, arranged her own abduction for gratification to the tune of N1.5 million from her husband.

Her husband, Mr Jude Obi, who resides at Udu, in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State, had, at the wee hours of March 7, reported the abduction of his wife at the Warri Area Command.

He told the police that his wife was kidnapped along DSC Expressway by unknown gun assailants.

The Area Commander, Husseini Rabiu, was said to have constituted a crack team to investigate the alleged abduction, enjoining Mr Obi to play along with the kidnappers, who had requested N1.5 million ransom.

In order to secure the release of his wife, Mr Obi was said to have coughed out the N1.5 million which he gave to a close relation and confidant of the victim, Mr Ogonna Onu and Mr Gift Erah to deliver to the hoodlums and secure the release of his wife.

The duo of Onu and Erah were said to have embarked on the errand in a Toyota Highlander with Reg. No. SMK 370 AZ belonging to the victim (Mrs Obi) to deliver the ransom to the hoodlums at an arranged venue.

After delivery, the victim was subsequently released on March 9, the third day, after the ransom was paid.

It was, however, gathered that the bubble burst when ACP Rabiu directed that the victim’s Highlander SUV be searched and to his chagrin, N1, 189, 000 suspected to be part of the ransom money paid was seen carefully concealed in the spare tyre compartment of the jeep.

While the drama lasted, Mr Erah and one Mr Fred Akpvita, both tenants to the complainant, realising that the game was up, bolted away, while Mr Onu was arrested and he is currently undergoing investigation.

The prime suspect, Mrs Obi and her accomplice, Mr Onu, could not be reached for comments.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Celestina Kalu, who confirmed the incident, said preliminary investigation into the saga had already revealed that the purported kidnap was stage-managed by the victim and the suspects in order to fleece money from the complainant, Mr Obi.

She said efforts were still on to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

•Text courtesy Nigerian Tribune. Photo shows Delta State Police Commissioner, Ikechukwu Aduba.

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