How 16-Year-Old Ebonyi Student Faked Own Kidnap, Demanded ₦2 Million Ransom

A 16-year-old student of a private secondary school in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has landed in police custody after faking her own abduction and demanding a ₦2 million ransom from her family.

The teenager, an SS2 student from Izzi Local Government Area, was due to resume school for the third term when she allegedly conspired with a family friend to stage the hoax. According to Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, she contacted a relative and claimed she had been kidnapped.

The student, who attends a school located on Watchman Street in Abakaliki, initially told police she had gone to buy second-hand clothes, known locally as ‘Okirika’, when she was tapped from behind and lost consciousness. She said she later found herself at Ishieke Junction in Ebonyi Local Government Area, adding that she often dreams of being kidnapped and that her mother frequently prays against it.

Rather than return home, she went to the home of a family friend who was unaware of her plan. Using his phone, she messaged her brother, posing as a kidnapper and demanding ₦2 million for her release. When her brother asked to speak with the kidnappers and requested their location, she refused and blocked his number. She later unblocked him and sent an account number belonging to the man hosting her.

The police were able to trace the phone used for the message, leading to a raid on the house and the arrest of all involved. The student has since been reunited with her family. Authorities say investigations are ongoing, especially considering her age.