Edo Woman Fakes Kidnap to Extort ₦5M from Husband
Detectives traced the ransom demand to the woman, her cousin and another man, who confessed and returned the money.
A 27-year-old woman, Chioma Ezebie Adaniken, and two accomplices have been arrested by the Edo State Police for allegedly staging her own kidnapping to extort N5 million from her husband. Police investigations revealed that her cousin, Osita Godfrey, and another man, Martins Chidozie, were involved in the plot.
The incident began on October 27, 2025, when Paul Adaniken reported that his wife and their three-year-old son had been kidnapped. The supposed abductors demanded a ransom, prompting detectives from the New Etete Division and the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit to launch intelligence-led investigations. The inquiries quickly exposed the ruse and led to the suspects’ apprehension.
All three suspects have confessed to their roles, and the ransom money has been recovered. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution. Edo State Police Commissioner CP Monday Agbonika commended the officers’ swift action and urged residents to avoid activities that threaten public peace.
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