Edo Woman Admits Staging Own Kidnapping Over Debt, Police Arrest Four Suspects

BENIN CITY, Nigeria — A 45-year-old woman, Oluchi Ugbowan, has admitted to staging her own kidnapping in a bid to raise money to settle personal debts, following her arrest by the Edo State Police Command alongside three other suspects.

The police had launched an investigation after Ugbowan’s family reported that she had been kidnapped and that her abductors were demanding a ransom of ₦50 million. Days later, security operatives traced and arrested Ugbowan and three accomplices at a hotel in the Ikpoba Hill area of Edo State.

Speaking in a video released by the police on Tuesday, Ugbowan denied ever being abducted, describing the incident as a carefully orchestrated plan designed to pressure her family into raising money.

“I was not kidnapped, but I went into hiding,” she said. “The whole thing was arranged because of the debts weighing heavily on me.”

According to her, the plan evolved after discussions with one of the suspects, identified as Israel Ability, regarding how much money her family could potentially raise.

She claimed the initial expectation was to secure a smaller amount to offset her debts but that the situation later escalated into a full-scale kidnapping narrative.

Suspects Describe Roles in Alleged Kidnap Hoax

Ugbowan said she personally instructed her accomplices on how to make the fake abduction appear convincing, including staging a ransom video in which a cutlass and later a firearm were pointed at her while she pleaded for her life.

“I told them to put the cutlass on my neck and say, ‘Say your last prayer,’” she said. “When they mentioned there was a gun in the house, I asked them to bring it because it would make the evidence stronger.”

She added that she tied her own hands during the recording to enhance the appearance of a genuine kidnapping.

Expressing regret over the incident, Ugbowan said financial pressure drove her decision.

“That was not my intention. The debt was just too much. I thought if I did this, I could get enough money to settle what I owed,” she said.

One of the suspects, Israel Ability, told police he became involved after Ugbowan approached him with the proposal. He said he purchased the SIM card used to contact the victim’s family and assisted in making ransom demands.

“She came to me with the plan and asked for my help,” Ability said. “I called her husband and demanded ₦50 million. I thought I was helping her and never imagined it would end like this.”

Ability said there was no agreement on how any ransom proceeds would be shared but admitted he expected some benefit if the plan succeeded.

His younger brother, Chinedu Chibuzor, also claimed he believed the exercise was merely a drama performance intended for church use.

“I did not know her personally,” Chibuzor said. “She told us it was for a church drama. I was the one who pointed the gun at her and told her to say her last prayer.”

Their father, who was also arrested, admitted ownership of the firearm used in the recording. He told police the gun was unlicensed and had been acquired for vigilante activities.

“It is my gun. The video was recorded in my house, and the boys involved are my children,” he said.

The Edo State Police Command has yet to announce formal charges against the suspects, but authorities have warned against making false kidnapping claims, noting that such actions divert security resources and create unnecessary panic among the public.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.