Delta Police Arrest Self-Kidnap Suspect, Nab Two Over Fake Crash Report, Rescue Two-Week-Old Baby

The Nigeria Police Force, Delta State Police Command, has announced the arrest of a 22-year-old man who allegedly staged his own kidnap to extort money from his family, the arrest of two suspects accused of spreading false information linking the police to a fatal road crash in Ughelli, and the rescue of a two-week-old baby from suspected child traffickers.

Addressing journalists in Asaba on Friday, the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, said the command remained committed to protecting lives and property, enforcing law and order, and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.

According to the police commissioner, the command received a distress report on July 1 that one Michael James, 22, had been kidnapped after leaving his home along Idumuesah/Owa-Alero Road to dispose of refuse. His alleged abductors reportedly demanded a ransom of N25 million.

He said operatives, acting on intelligence, deployed to the area and cordoned off nearby bushes. As officers closed in, the suspect allegedly emerged from hiding, claiming he had escaped from his abductors.

During interrogation, James reportedly confessed that he orchestrated the kidnap after spending money entrusted to him by his sister and devised the plan to raise funds to replace it. He remains in police custody while investigations continue.

The police also announced the arrest of two suspects, identified as Egoh Best Akpobome, 35, and Omonigho Jitobor, 42, over the alleged circulation of false reports linking police officers to the fatal road traffic crash that occurred along the Ughelli–Patani Expressway on June 27.

Oyeniyi explained that investigations established the accident involved a newly purchased, unregistered Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV driven by a civilian, Agofure Gift, 27, who rammed into a commercial tricycle, resulting in the death of 51-year-old Catherine Umokoro and injuries to four others.

He dismissed claims circulating on social media that police officers had taken over the vehicle before the crash, stressing that no police personnel or vehicle was involved in the incident.

According to him, intelligence gathering and digital forensic investigations led to the arrest of the two suspects alleged to have originated and circulated the false narrative online. They will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

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In another development, the commissioner disclosed that operatives of the Ozoro Division rescued a two-week-old baby boy and arrested two women over an alleged child trafficking case.

He said the child’s mother reported that after giving birth on June 15, a woman identified only as “Mama,” with whom she lived and worked, told her the baby would be taken to an orphanage. However, when she later requested to see her child, she was denied access and subsequently reported the matter to the police.

Police investigations led to the arrest of Evelyn Otubo and Esther Joseph, who were allegedly found with the baby while waiting for an intending buyer.

The baby was rescued unharmed and reunited with his mother.

Oyeniyi said the cases demonstrated the command’s determination to tackle not only conventional crimes but also emerging threats such as misinformation, disinformation and fake news.

He urged residents to remain vigilant against child traffickers and advised families to pay close attention to relatives who might attempt to stage kidnappings for financial gain.

The commissioner also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to assist the police in maintaining peace, safety and public order across Delta State.