Operatives of the Delta State Police Command, in a recent breakthrough, uncovered a staged kidnapping plot masterminded by a bride who sought to repay wedding-related debts through deception. The suspects involved — including the so-called victim — have all been arrested.
On 21st July 2025 at about 2030 hours, the Command received a report of the alleged abduction of a female victim by unknown armed men in the Bonsaac area of Asaba. Acting swiftly, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, tasked the Commander of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad, CSP Godwin Osadolor, with ensuring the victim’s safe rescue.
The Command launched a coordinated intelligence-led operation, which resulted in the arrest of two suspects: Alfred Elisha (male), apprehended at Koka Roundabout, and Ugochukwu Adim (male), picked up off DLA Road, Asaba, on 22nd July 2025 at approximately 0900 hours.
During interrogation, the suspects revealed that the kidnapping was orchestrated in collaboration with the alleged victim herself. Their confession led to the arrest of the mastermind, one Merit Eleh, aged 29.
She admitted to staging the kidnapping in a bid to recover ₦3.6 million — a loan from her brother — which she had used to fund her bridal shower and hotel accommodations during her wedding in March 2025. Merit further confessed to receiving a ransom of ₦3 million, from which she gave her accomplices ₦500,000 and retained ₦2.5 million for herself.
All individuals connected to the fake kidnapping have been arrested, and investigations are ongoing.
The Delta State Police Command reaffirms its dedication to rooting out crime in all forms and protecting residents from deception and lawlessness.
