Delta Police Bust Staged Kidnap Plot, Arrest Fake News Suspects, Rescue Two-Week-Old Baby

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Delta State Police Command has announced major breakthroughs in its fight against crime, including the arrest of a man who allegedly staged his own kidnap, the apprehension of two suspects accused of spreading false information about a fatal road crash, and the rescue of a two-week-old baby from suspected child traffickers.

Addressing journalists during a press briefing in Asaba, the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, said the achievements reflect the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and the protection of lives and property across Delta State.

According to the police, a 22-year-old man, Michael James, allegedly orchestrated his own abduction after spending money entrusted to him by his sister. The command said a distress report was received on July 1 claiming he had been kidnapped and that his abductors were demanding a ₦25 million ransom. Acting on technical intelligence, operatives searched the surrounding bush where the suspect eventually emerged, claiming he had escaped. During interrogation, he reportedly confessed that the kidnapping was staged in a bid to raise money to replace the funds he had spent. He remains in police custody while investigations continue.

In another development, the command arrested two suspects, Egoh Best Akpobome and Omonigho Jitobor, over the alleged dissemination of false information linking police officers to a fatal road accident along the Ughelli–Patani Expressway. Police investigations established that the crash involved a newly purchased unregistered Mercedes-Benz GLK driven by a civilian, Agofure Gift, whose vehicle collided with a commercial tricycle, killing 51-year-old Catherine Umokoro and injuring four others. The command said no police officer or police vehicle was involved in the accident, contrary to reports circulated on social media. The suspects allegedly responsible for originating the false narrative have been arrested and will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations.

The police also announced the rescue of a two-week-old baby boy and the arrest of two women, Evelyn Otubo and Esther Joseph, over alleged child trafficking. The case followed a complaint by the child’s mother, who alleged that after giving birth on June 15, a woman identified only as “Mama” claimed the baby would be taken to an orphanage. When she was later denied access to her child, she reported the matter to the police. Investigations led officers to the suspects, who were allegedly waiting to hand the baby over to an intending buyer. The infant was rescued unharmed and reunited with his mother.

CP Oyeniyi said the cases demonstrate the command’s determination to combat not only conventional crimes but also emerging threats such as misinformation, fake news, child trafficking, and staged criminal activities. He urged residents to remain vigilant, cautioning parents to protect their children from traffickers and advising families to pay attention to relatives who may resort to staging kidnappings for financial gain.

The Commissioner also appealed to members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible and timely information to strengthen security and maintain peace and public order across Delta State.