A dramatic kidnapping case that sparked widespread concern and fundraising efforts has taken an unexpected turn after a married woman, identified as Oluchi, was reportedly found in a Delta State hotel with a man believed to be her lover.
The incident, which initially generated sympathy from relatives, friends and members of the public, began after claims emerged that Oluchi had been abducted and was being held by kidnappers demanding a huge ransom for her release.
Family members, including her daughter Anita who resides in Canada, had launched public appeals and sought financial assistance to secure her freedom.
According to reports, the alleged abductors initially demanded N50 million before later reducing the amount to N20 million.
The family had earlier informed law enforcement authorities that Oluchi was kidnapped in the Ikpoba Hill area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, prompting an investigation by security operatives.
However, police inquiries reportedly uncovered a different narrative.
Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that detectives tracked the phone number of a male suspect linked to the case.
The trail reportedly led investigators to a hotel in Ubiaroko, Delta State, where Oluchi was allegedly discovered staying with her lover.
The revelation came as a major shock to her husband, who had reportedly believed throughout the ordeal that his wife was being held captive by criminals.
According to a source close to the investigation, Oluchi pleaded with her husband not to disclose the true circumstances surrounding the incident to their children after she was found.
Reacting to the development in a video circulated online, Anita expressed deep disappointment and heartbreak over the outcome of the case.
She said the discovery had left the family devastated, stressing that her decision to seek public support was based on a genuine belief that her mother had been kidnapped.
Anita lamented that the incident had damaged the family’s reputation and caused emotional distress to those who rallied around them during the supposed crisis.
She also clarified that no ransom payment was made and assured supporters that every contribution received during the fundraising campaign would be refunded.
The daughter also revealed that investigators informed the family that her mother and the man found with her allegedly planned to obtain the N20 million ransom that relatives and well-wishers had been attempting to raise.
The incident has also drawn a reaction from the Harmony Ladies Club, a social group with which Anita is associated.
In a statement, the organisation said its members offered emotional, logistical and financial support in good faith because they believed Oluchi’s life was in danger.
The group described the alleged fabrication of the kidnapping story as a betrayal of the trust, solidarity and goodwill extended to the family during what was believed to be a life-threatening situation.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has confirmed the case.
Police spokesperson Eno Ikoedem disclosed that four persons had been arrested in connection with the incident, adding that investigations were still ongoing.
