The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old woman, Merit Eleh, and two male accomplices for allegedly staging her own kidnapping to extort money from her family.
The startling revelation followed a swift and coordinated operation by the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad.
The incident, which initially appeared to be a genuine case of abduction, was reported on July 21, 2025, at about 8:30 pm. According to the report, the female “victim” was said to have been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in the Bonsaac area of Asaba.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed the squad, led by CSP Godwin Osadolor, to ensure the victim’s safe rescue. The operatives launched an intelligence-driven operation which led to the arrest of two suspects—Alfred Elisha and Ugochukwu Adim—on July 22 at different locations in Asaba, including Koka Roundabout and off DLA Road.
Read Also:
- Police foil kidnap attempt, arrest 2 suspects in Adamawa
- Kidnappers of Bayelsa High Court Judge reveal shocking details of abduction plot
- Delta Police arrest 184 suspected internet fraudsters, butchers major kidnap plot
During interrogation, one of the suspects reportedly confessed that the abduction was staged in collaboration with the victim. This confession prompted the police to arrest Merit Eleh, who admitted to orchestrating the fake kidnapping.
Eleh confessed to receiving a N3 million ransom from her family, which she split with her accomplices. According to her statement, she gave her co-conspirators N500,000 and kept N2.5 million for herself. She also revealed that the motive was to settle debts incurred during her wedding in March 2025, including a N3.6 million loan from her brother, used to sponsor her bridal shower and hotel bills.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday, describing it as another operational success in the Command’s fight against crime and criminality.
“All suspects involved have been arrested, and the investigation is ongoing,” Edafe stated.
The Delta State Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and warned against criminal attempts to exploit law enforcement resources through deceit.
