Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Chibuike Joshua Ugwuja, for allegedly faking his own kidnapping and attempting to extort ₦35 million from his family.
The suspect, who works as a private security guard in an estate in Trans-Ekulu, was first reported missing by his father on 24 November 2025. According to the father, Chibuike left for work on 22 November and never returned home. The situation took a dramatic turn when he sent a Facebook message to their female neighbour, claiming he had been abducted by unknown persons and that his supposed abductors were demanding ransom.
Following the report, police operatives in the Trans-Ekulu Division launched a full-scale investigation and rescue effort, working round the clock to trace his whereabouts.
However, after days of intense search operations, the case took an unexpected twist. On 30 November, the suspect was brought to the police station by his father after returning home on 29 November when his family did not meet his ransom demand.
During interrogation, Chibuike confessed to staging the entire kidnap. He revealed that instead of going home after work, he went to stay with a friend in Amorji Nike from where he coordinated the false abduction story. He said his actions were driven by frustration, alleging that his uncle had failed to provide him with a tricycle he had hoped to use for business.
The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed that the suspect is now in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, described the act as “a shameful height of criminality” and commended the suspect’s parents for promptly reporting the incident and cooperating with the police. He urged members of the public to always report suspected kidnapping cases and avoid rushing into ransom payments.
Police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, assured residents that the Command remains committed to maintaining security throughout the yuletide season, warning that anyone who causes public panic will face the full wrath of the law.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments