Akwa-Ibom: Police arrest woman who fakes own kidnap with boyfriend

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a woman, Imaobong Sampson Francis, who faked her own kidnap and demanded N4m ransom from her abroad-based aunt.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, disclosed this on Friday, March 15, 2024, in Uyo while parading her alongside other suspects arrested for various crimes.

Ayilara, who assumed duty recently said that Imaobong Sampson of Nung Oku Village in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, conspired with her boyfriend and three others to arrange her kidnap in order to obtain money from her aunt.

“On March 11, 2024, at 1000hrs, a report was received from one Enobong Sampson that her sister Imaobong Sampson Francis Sampson was kidnapped and that the kidnappers were demanding N4 million as ransom,” the CP stated.

“As a result, operatives of the Anti-kidnapping squad of the Command embarked on an intense and intelligence driven operation, so as to track down the perpetrators and rescue the victim.

“On March 12, 2024, at about 2315hrs the said purported victim, one Imaobong Sampson and her boyfriend, Beltus Ebong, were arrested in a hideout at Mbierebe Obio, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA

“She confessed to have conspired with her boyfriend, Beltus and three others to proclaim her kidnap to raise money from her aunty, who is based abroad,” Ayilara said.

He added that on Wednesday, police arrested a man at Uruting village in Okobo Local Government Area of the state for killing his 75-year-old father, using a machete.

The suspect claimed that his deceased father had sold all the parcel of land he had, including the one that he gave to him to build his house as the reason for his action, the police commissioner said.

Ayilara said also that on March 8, police arrested one man at Ayam village in Etinan Local Government Area of the state for being involved in the production of adulterated fruits drinks and fake products.

Also on March 8, police rescued and arrested a man who used Point of Sale (POS) machines to defraud innocent citizens and was to be set ablaze but for the arrival of police operatives.

Ayilara said most of the man’s victims had identified him and N350,000 cash was recovered from him at the time of arrest.

The police commissioner assured that all the suspects would be arraigned as soon as investigations were concluded.

Ayilara assured the people of Akwa Ibom that he would work with stakeholders to set up strategies to address contemporary security challenges in the state.

“Let me assure Akwa Ibom people that the police will collaborate with stakeholders in harnessing available resources to ensure that the state continues to remain the most peaceful,’’ he said.