Officers of the Akwa Ibom Police Command have apprehended Imaobong Sampson and her boyfriend, Beltus Ebong, for their involvement in a faked kidnapping incident. The arrests took place in Mbierebe Obio village, Ibesikpo Asutan Area of the state. The spokesperson for the state police command, Odiko Macdon, provided details of the operation.
According to Macdon, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad received a report last week Monday from Enobong Sampson, who claimed to be a relative of the supposed victim. Enobong reported that her sister, Imaobong Francis Sampson, had been kidnapped, and the kidnappers were demanding a ransom of four million naira. In response, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad launched an intense and intelligence-driven investigation to locate the perpetrators and rescue the victim.
On the night of 12th March 2024, the alleged victim, Imaobong Sampson, and her boyfriend, Beltus Ebong, were apprehended in their hideout at Mbierebe Obio Village. During interrogation, Imaobong confessed to staging the kidnapping in collaboration with her boyfriend, Beltus Ebong, as well as Dominic Friday Charlie, her sister Enobong Sampson, and an individual named Inyene Ime Akpan who is currently at large. Their intention was to extort money from her aunt, who resides abroad.
This incident highlights the growing trend of staged kidnappings for the purpose of financial gain. It is alarming to see individuals resorting to such deceptive tactics to exploit their own family members. The police command is committed to investigating such cases thoroughly and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
In a similar incident, the Ogun State Police Command recently arrested Olumide Openaike, a staff member of a Microfinance Bank, Kemta Oloko, who had been reported missing. It was later revealed that Openaike had staged his own abduction in an attempt to evade a debt of N1.7 million. He was eventually found in Mokwa, Niger State.
These cases serve as a reminder that the police and law enforcement agencies are vigilant in uncovering such deceitful acts. The public is urged to report any suspicious activities or information that may assist in preventing and solving such crimes.
