The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Chibuike Joshua Ugwuja, for allegedly staging his own abduction and demanding a ransom of N35 million from his family.
Police revealed that Ugwuja’s father reported him missing on November 24, 2025, after he failed to return home from work. Ugwuja, a private security guard in Trans-Ekulu, reportedly sent a Facebook message to a female neighbour, claiming he had been kidnapped by unknown assailants on a commercial bus.
“The supposed abductors demanded ransom, prompting our operatives to commence immediate investigations and intensified search operations,” said SP Daniel Ndukwe, the command’s spokesperson.
In a twist, the suspect was brought to the police station by his father on November 30, after several days of search. During interrogation, Ugwuja admitted that he had orchestrated the fake kidnapping while staying at a friend’s house in Amorji Nike. He confessed to demanding N35 million, frustrated over his uncle’s alleged refusal to buy him a tricycle.
“He revealed that after work, he went to a friend’s residence instead of returning home, and from there masterminded the false abduction,” Ndukwe stated. “He eventually returned home on November 29 after realizing his ransom demands would not be met.”
The suspect remains in custody and will be charged to court following the conclusion of investigations.
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, described the act as “a regrettable height of criminality” and commended the parents for promptly involving law enforcement.
“Kidnapping, whether real or staged, creates fear and instability in the community. We will not tolerate acts that abuse public trust,” he said. He urged residents to report suspected kidnappings and cooperate with authorities instead of hastily paying ransom.
The Command reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring safety and bringing offenders to justice.