Man stages own kidnap for N25m ransom – Police

Authorities in Delta State, Nigeria, have arrested a 22-year-old man identified as Michael James for allegedly orchestrating his own kidnapping and demanding a ransom of N25 million from his family. The suspect reportedly confessed to the elaborate scheme during police interrogation.

According to police reports, James went out to dispose of refuse on July 1 but failed to return home. His family subsequently received ransom demands. However, police deployed to the area used intelligence to track him down. Upon realizing he was cornered, James emerged from a bush, claiming he had escaped his abductors.

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The police in Delta State remain steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and properties, enforcing law and order, and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.

During questioning, James allegedly admitted to faking his abduction. He stated that he planned the scheme because he had spent money given to him by his sister and needed to replace it. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

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On noticing that they were closing in on him, suspect suddenly came out from the bush claiming he escaped from his abductors.

In other police operations, a two-week-old baby was rescued from suspected child traffickers. Two women, Evelyn Otubo and Esther Joseph, were arrested in connection with the incident. The baby's mother reported her child missing after a woman she knew denied her access to the infant. The baby was found unharmed and reunited with his mother.

Additionally, the police announced the arrest of two individuals for allegedly circulating false reports that linked police officers to a fatal road traffic accident that occurred on June 27. The command emphasized its commitment to protecting lives and property through intelligence-led policing and diligent investigations.

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He further stated that he spent certain money given to him by his sister, hence he planned his own kidnap so he could raise and replace the said money.