The Delta State Police Command has arrested Nelson Eserada, a 400-level student of Delta State University, and Jerry Lawrence, his alleged accomplice, on suspicion of staging a self-kidnapping.
SP Bright Edafe, spokesperson for the command, informed journalists in Warri on Thursday that the suspects were apprehended in Abraka, Ethiope East LGA, following a successful operation on Monday.
SP Edafe explained that the arrest came after SP Fabian Ayameh, Divisional Police Officer of Abraka division, launched an intelligence-led investigation prompted by a complaint from Eserada’s father.
The father had reported to the Abraka division about his son’s purported abduction and the ransom demand of N50 million in Bitcoin.
He also submitted a video showing his son tied up and being subjected to abuse.
“In response to the complaint received from Nelson Eserada’s father at Abraka Division regarding his son’s alleged kidnapping and the ransom demand of N50 million in Bitcoin, DPO Ayameh promptly initiated a thorough intelligence-led investigation,” SP Edafe stated.
“Upon receiving the complaint from Nelson Eserada’s father at Abraka Division regarding his son’s kidnapping and the ransom demand of N50 million in Bitcoin, DPO Ayameh initiated a prompt intelligence-led investigation,” SP Edafe stated.
“On June 10, 2024, one Jerry Lawrence was arrested in connection with the crime,” he said.
Mr Edafe said that a preliminary investigation revealed that Mr Lawrence allegedly conspired with the suspected self-kidnapper to commit the crime.
He said the supposed kidnap victim was a 400-level student of Delta University (DELSU), Abraka.
The police spokesman said the father of the suspected self-kidnapper had already paid N5.2 million ransom through a Bitcoin account belonging to Mr Lawrence.
He said the suspects were in police custody, adding that an investigation was ongoing.
