Woman allegedly fakes own kidnap, collects N3.6m ransom in Delta

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested Merit Eleh (29) and two of her accomplices for allegedly faking her own kidnap and collecting a N3.6 million ransom. Merit Eleh is alleged to have conspired with Alfred Elisha and Ugochukwu to stage her abduction and collect the ransom. The command’s spokesperson stated that the […]

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested Merit Eleh (29) and two of her accomplices for allegedly faking her own kidnap and collecting a N3.6 million ransom.

Merit Eleh is alleged to have conspired with Alfred Elisha and Ugochukwu to stage her abduction and collect the ransom.

The command’s spokesperson stated that the suspects were apprehended by the anti-kidnapping unit through a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation at Koka roundabout, Asaba, Delta State.

He said the police first arrested Alfred Elisha and Ugochukwu in connection with the alleged kidnapping of Merit.

He said the suspects confessed that it was not an actual kidnapping but a plot devised between themselves and the alleged victim.

Their confession led to the arrest of Merit Eleh.

According to the spokesperson, Merit Eleh confessed that her brother had previously loaned her N3.6 million, which she used to cover expenses for her bridal shower and hotel during her wedding in March, 2025.

She further disclosed that she faked her own kidnap and received N3 million, adding that she gave her accomplices N500,000, keeping N2.5 million for herself.

The police said investigation into the matter is ongoing, assuring that the suspects will be charged to court thereafter.