The Edo State Police Command has successfully uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated fake kidnapping operation allegedly staged by four individuals, including the supposed victim, in a bid to extort a ₦50 million ransom from her family.
The suspects Oluchi Ugbowan (45), Israel Ability (28), Ochukwudem Uwadia (38), and Chibuzor Ochukwudem (18) were arrested following a detailed intelligence-led investigation conducted by operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to police findings, the case began on May 28, 2026, when Oluchi Ugbowan allegedly conspired with the other suspects to stage her own abduction along Agbor Road in Benin City, Edo State. The act was reportedly carefully planned to appear genuine, with coordinated roles assigned to each participant.
Shortly after the staged disappearance, her husband, Tony Ugbowan, began receiving repeated phone calls from unknown individuals demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for her release. The calls were accompanied by threats and pressure intended to convince the family of a real abduction.
Police Response and Investigation
Upon receiving a report of the incident, the Edo State Police Command launched an immediate investigation. Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit intensified surveillance and deployed technical tracking methods to trace the source of the ransom demands.
Through coordinated intelligence gathering, police were able to identify and arrest one of the suspects, Israel Ability, who was reportedly instrumental in facilitating communication between the group and the victim’s family.
Further interrogation of Ability led investigators to additional breakthroughs, including the location of the alleged victim.
Confession and Recovery of Evidence
Police authorities disclosed that Oluchi Ugbowan later confessed to being part of the staged abduction. She subsequently led detectives to the residence of Ochukwudem Uwadia in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, where key aspects of the operation were said to have been carried out.
Investigators discovered that ransom videos sent to the victim’s family were allegedly recorded at the same location.
During a search of the premises, operatives also recovered an automatic pump-action gun, which is believed to have been used in creating the impression of a violent kidnapping scenario.
The police described the recovery as a significant breakthrough in confirming the fabricated nature of the entire incident.
Police Warning and Public Reaction
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Monday Agbonika, commended the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for what he described as a swift, professional, and intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of the suspects and the unraveling of the plot.
He also issued a strong warning to members of the public against engaging in fake kidnapping schemes or any criminal acts designed to deceive families and security agencies. According to him, such actions not only constitute serious criminal offenses but also divert critical security resources away from genuine kidnapping cases requiring urgent attention.
Ongoing Investigation
The police further confirmed that investigations are still ongoing to determine the full extent of the conspiracy, including whether additional individuals were involved in planning or executing the scheme.
Authorities stated that all four suspects are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, as the Command continues its efforts to clamp down on kidnapping-related crimes and related fraudulent activities across the state. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
