By Obasola Olatunde
Chioma Success Ezebie Adaniken, a 27 year old woman has been apprehended by operatives of the Edo State Police Command for allegedly staging her own kidnap and demanding ₦5 million ransom from her husband.
According to the Police, Chioma conspired with her cousin, Osita Godfrey (33), and another accomplice, Martins Chidozie (23), to fake her abduction in a bid to extort money from her unsuspecting spouse, Paul Adaniken, a resident of Benin City.
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said in a statement on Tuesday that the crime was uncovered following “diligent investigation and coordinated intelligence operations” by operatives of the New Etete Division.
“On October 27, 2025, Mr. Paul Adaniken reported that his wife and 3 year old son had been kidnapped, with the abductors demanding ₦5 million for their release,” the statement read. “However, cyber analysis and intelligence led operations revealed that the alleged victim had planned the abduction herself.”
Police investigations showed that Chioma’s cousin, who initially pretended to assist investigators, was directly involved. His confession led to the arrest of Chioma and other collaborators.
The Police said all suspects had made useful confessional statements, while the ₦5 million ransom was recovered. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.
Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the swift response of officers that led to the breakthrough and warned residents against criminal acts that threaten public peace.
“The command will continue to deploy intelligence and technology-driven strategies to detect, deter, and dismantle criminal enterprises in Edo State,” the CP said.