Married Delta woman found in hotel after allegedly faking kidnap, demanding N50m ransom

A married woman identified as Oluchi has reportedly been found in a hotel in Delta State after allegedly staging her own abduction and demanding a ransom of N50 million from her family.

The incident sparked widespread concern among relatives, friends, and well-wishers who believed she had been kidnapped by unknown assailants.

According to reports, the alleged kidnapping prompted desperate efforts by family members to secure her release. Her children, including a daughter residing in Canada, reportedly made emotional appeals for public assistance and intervention as fears grew over her safety.

The family had earlier reported to the police that Oluchi was kidnapped in the Ikpoba Hill area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area.

However, police investigations reportedly traced a phone number linked to the case to a hotel in Ubiaroko, where officers allegedly found Oluchi in the company of her lover.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the woman’s husband was later invited by police and informed of the circumstances surrounding the alleged fake abduction.

A video released after the discovery showed her daughter, Anita, expressing shock and disappointment over the development.

“My mum has been released. She is involved in this kidnapping case. I only did what I did to save my mother. The family is in shock. This is not right. It has shattered my family,” she said.

Anita added that no ransom was paid and that funds raised during the campaign remained untouched.

“We involved the police from the beginning. We now know it was not a real kidnapping. We were told my mother was involved and that she was in a relationship with the man. They had planned to collect the N20 million already raised,” she stated.

A social group known as Harmony Ladies Club, which had supported efforts to secure Oluchi’s release, also expressed disappointment after the alleged deception came to light.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident and disclosed that four persons had been arrested in connection with the case.

The police have yet to provide further details on the charges the suspects may face as investigations continue.