The ₦50M Scammer Wife: How Edo Police Cracked a Self-Kidnapping Plot

A Benin City businessman’s worst nightmare turned into a bizarre case of marital betrayal after the Edo State Police Command uncovered an elaborate, self-staged kidnapping plot masterminded by his own wife to extort ₦50 million from her family.

From “Hostage” to Mastermind: The Ramat Park Trap

The drama began on June 1, 2026, when Mr. Tony Ugbowan reported that his 45-year-old wife, Oluchi Ugbowan, had been abducted on her way to her shop near Ramat Park, Benin City. The “kidnappers” had already demanded a staggering ₦50 million ransom.

However, when operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit tracked the victim’s phone, the trail led them straight to 28-year-old Israel Ability. Upon arrest, Ability confessed to a shocking twist: he hadn’t stolen the phone—he was hired by Mrs. Oluchi herself to negotiate the multi-million naira ransom with her husband.

Behind the Scenes: Gunshots and Fake Captivity Videos

Following the breadcrumbs, detectives raided a hotel in Ukwuani LGA, Delta State, where they found the “missing” wife chilling in comfort.

Oluchi’s confession exposed a highly coordinated four-man syndicate. She led police to the home of an accomplice, Ochukwudem Uwadia (38), which served as the “movie set” for the crime. Investigators discovered that:

• The Staged Videos: Oluchi was filmed with her hands and feet tied to convince her family she was in grave danger.

• The Armed Actor: Uwadia’s 18-year-old son, Chibuzor, was the masked gunman seen pointing a firearm at Oluchi’s head in the extortion clips.

The ₦50M Scammer Wife: How Edo Police Cracked a Self-Kidnapping Plot

Police recovered the automatic pump-action gun used in the videos, and all four suspects are now in custody.

“Such acts not only constitute serious criminal offences but also divert critical security resources from genuine victims of crime,” warned Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, as he cautioned the public against staging fake abductions.

Written by Boom RadioNG