The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 54 year old woman, identified as Umadi, for allegedly staging her own kidnapping in an attempt to collect ₦15 million from her younger brother.
The suspect reportedly claimed that unknown gunmen had abducted her and were demanding the money for her release, warning that she would be killed if the ransom was not paid. However, police investigations later revealed that the alleged abduction had been fabricated.
Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a video released on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, showing the woman admitting to the scheme. She was arrested by operatives of the Anti Kidnapping Unit in Ubulu Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to Edafe, the matter was reported at the Ogwashi Uku Police Division on October 23, 2026, after the woman contacted her younger brother with claims that she had been kidnapped while travelling to buy medicine.
She allegedly told him that her abductors were demanding ₦15 million and had threatened to take her life if the payment was not made.
Following the report, the Commissioner of Police directed the Anti Kidnapping Unit to investigate the incident and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction.
Police intelligence subsequently revealed that the kidnapping was not genuine and had allegedly been arranged by the woman herself. During questioning, she reportedly admitted to planning the incident and claimed that she had spent 12 days in captivity as part of the arrangement.
In the video released by the police, Umadi expressed regret over her actions and appealed for forgiveness, blaming her decision on bad advice.
“It was the devil’s work. I want forgiveness,” she said.
There were also reports that the woman explained that she needed the money to pay for treatment of a problem with her leg.
Edafe described the incident as unusual, noting that although the command had previously investigated cases involving teenagers who allegedly staged their own kidnappings, it was the first such case involving a 54 year old woman.
He also indicated that the suspect may not have acted alone, adding that investigations were continuing and operatives were working to track down other individuals believed to have been involved.
The police spokesperson praised the woman’s younger brother for reporting the alleged kidnapping instead of paying the ransom. He urged members of the public to contact security agencies whenever they receive threats or ransom demands involving relatives.
The command said it remained committed to tackling fake kidnapping cases, which create unnecessary fear, mislead families and divert security personnel from genuine emergencies.
However, the police have not disclosed the specific charges the suspect may face or when she is expected to appear in court.
