IMSU Teenage Student Arrested for Staging Her Own Abduction

Imo State Police have arrested a 17-year-old Imo State University (IMSU) student for allegedly faking her own abduction in what authorities are calling a social media prank gone too far.

The student, identified as Jesse Chidiebere, was taken into custody in Owerri following a police investigation triggered by a series of alarming messages claiming she had been abducted and killed. According to Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the Imo State Police, the department received a distress call on October 26 from concerned residents after Chidiebere’s family received a message through her WhatsApp account, stating she had been abducted and killed, and advising them to visit the Orji Police Station for confirmation.

In response, police officers launched an immediate search. By the morning of October 27, they located Chidiebere alive and discovered that she had staged the entire incident as a prank on social media.

Okoye confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to understand her motives behind the false report. “This sort of behavior is irresponsible, wastes valuable police resources, and causes unnecessary public panic,” he stated.

The Commissioner of Police for Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma, expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for parents to advise their children against participating in dangerous pranks or spreading misinformation. He added that the command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of Imo residents and will continue to take a firm stance against any actions that disrupt public peace.

Chidiebere is expected to face charges following the completion of the investigation.