Akwa Ibom woman fakes own kidnap, demands N4m ransom from her abroad-based aunt

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a woman, Imaobong Sampson Francis, who faked her kidnap and demanded N4m ransom from her abroad-based aunt.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, disclosed this on Friday, March 15, 2024, in Uyo while parading her alongside other suspects arrested for various crimes.

Ayilara, who assumed duty recently said that Imaobong Sampson of Nung Oku Village in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, conspired with her boyfriend and three others to arrange her kidnap to obtain money from her aunt.

“On March 11, 2024, at 1000hrs, a report was received from one Enobong Sampson that her sister Imaobong Sampson Francis Sampson was kidnapped and that the kidnappers were demanding N4 million as ransom,” the CP stated.

“As a result, operatives of the Anti-kidnapping squad of the Command embarked on an intense and intelligence-driven operation, to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victim.

“On March 12, 2024, at about 2315hrs the said purported victim, one Imaobong Sampson, and her boyfriend, Beltus Ebong, were arrested in a hideout at Mbierebe Obio, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA

“She confessed to having conspired with her boyfriend, Beltus, and three others to proclaim her kidnap to raise money from her aunt, who is based abroad,” Ayilara said.