The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 31-year-old man, Chukwemeka Destiny, for allegedly masterminding a plot to kidnap his aunt who raised him from childhood.
Destiny was paraded on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bright Edafe, who revealed that the suspect had paid a total of N900,000 to individuals he believed were kidnappers to abduct the woman.
According to the police, the suspect lived with his aunt from the age of five until he turned 15, during which she catered for his upbringing and education before he reportedly severed ties with the family.
Edafe described the case as another troubling example of betrayal and rising violence against benefactors.
He said, “We are witnessing a disturbing pattern where individuals turn against those who once supported them.
In this case, the suspect allegedly conceived a plan to kidnap the same aunt who raised him.”
The police spokesman disclosed that the suspect made payments in two instalments N200,000 initially and N700,000 later to facilitate the planned abduction.
However, the plot was foiled when the individuals he contacted turned out not to be kidnappers.
Instead, they reportedly played along, gathered evidence, and handed him over to the police.
“Unknown to him, those he approached were not criminals.
They cooperated with law enforcement and ensured his arrest, thereby preventing the crime,” Edafe added.
During interrogation, Destiny reportedly admitted to the offence but failed to provide a clear motive.
“I am guilty of what happened. I don’t know what came over me,” he was quoted as saying.
The suspect, a married father of two, attributed his actions to “the devil” and explained that the money paid was sourced from his haulage and building materials business.
Reacting to the development, the victim, who identified the suspect as her elder sister’s son, expressed shock and distress over the incident.
“I was overwhelmed when I heard. It is painful,” she said, adding that the suspect had not maintained any meaningful relationship with the family since leaving her home as a teenager.
When asked whether she would seek leniency, the woman insisted that justice should prevail.
“Whatever the law says should be done,” she stated.
Edafe commended her stance, noting that shielding suspects due to family ties often enables crime and undermines justice.
The suspect is currently in the custody of the Raiders Squad of the Delta State Police Command, while investigations are ongoing.