The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 31-year-old man, Chukwemeka Destiny, for allegedly plotting to kidnap the woman who raised him from childhood.
The suspect was paraded on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bright Edafe, who said Destiny allegedly paid N900,000 to individuals he believed were kidnappers to abduct his aunt and benefactor.
According to the police, the woman took him in at the age of five and catered for his upbringing and education until he was 15, after which he reportedly left her home and severed ties with the family.
Edafe described the case as one of a disturbing pattern of betrayal involving close associates turning against those who once supported them.
He said, “All of a sudden, something came into his mind that he should kidnap the same aunt who trained him and saw him through school. We have seen cases where workers kill employers or security men attack their bosses just to steal valuables. It is a worrying trend.”
The police spokesperson explained that the suspect made two payments, N200,000 and N700,000 respectively, totalling N900,000, to facilitate the operation.
However, the plot collapsed after the supposed kidnappers turned out to be decoys who pretended to cooperate with him before reporting him to the authorities.
“Unknown to him, the people he contacted were not kidnappers. They played along, lured him, and eventually handed him over to the police, thereby saving the life of his aunt,” Edafe said.
During interrogation, Destiny admitted involvement in the plot but said he could not explain what led him to commit the act.
“Sincerely speaking, I am guilty of what happened. I don’t know what came over me. I can’t tell,” he said.
The suspect, who identified himself as a married father of two, claimed he runs a haulage and building materials business, adding that the money used for the transaction was from his business earnings.
“I made a deposit of N200,000 first, then the next day I paid N700,000, making N900,000,” he added.
The victim, who confirmed the suspect as her nephew, said she was devastated when she learned of the alleged plan.
“I was shocked… crying,” she said, struggling to hold back tears.
She explained that after leaving her home years ago, Destiny never returned or maintained any meaningful relationship with the family, though she occasionally saw him within the neighbourhood.
“He just disappeared. He would be around the street but would not come to our house,” she said.
When asked if she would forgive him, she insisted that justice must take its full course.
“Anything they know to do to such people, they should do it to him,” she said.
Reacting, Edafe said the victim’s stance reflected the seriousness required in handling such cases, especially where betrayal comes from close relations.
“In situations like this, people try to shield suspects because they are family members. But many of these cases end tragically. It is important to allow the law to take its course,” he said.
The suspect is currently in custody of the Raiders Squad of the Delta State Police Command as investigations continue.
