The Imo State Police Command has apprehended a 17-year-old student of Imo State University (IMSU), identified as Jesse Chidiebere, for staging her own kidnapping and death as a prank.
In a press release, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, stated that officers from the Orji Police Division detained Chidiebere on October 26, 2024, around 10 PM.
The arrest followed a distress call from concerned citizens reporting her disappearance, sparking panic within her family and the IMSU community.
The statement revealed that a disturbing message was sent from Chidiebere’s WhatsApp account, alleging her abduction and death, with instructions for her family to confirm the news at the Orji Police Station.
Following the report, police launched an urgent search operation and discovered the next morning, October 27, that the alleged kidnapping was a hoax. Chidiebere was found safe and had fabricated the entire incident as a social media prank.
The police spokesperson also confirmed that an investigation is underway to understand her motives and assured that she would face legal consequences.
Reacting to the incident, Imo State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, condemned the act, labeling it irresponsible and a misuse of police resources. He cautioned parents to advise their children against engaging in such dangerous pranks, emphasizing the Command’s commitment to fighting misinformation and maintaining public safety across the state.
