A married woman whose reported abduction sparked a public fundraising campaign for her ransom has been found in a hotel with an alleged lover, leading to a dramatic twist in a case that had generated widespread sympathy and support.
The woman, identified as Oluchi, was reported missing on May 27, 2026, after she disappeared from the Ikpoba Hill area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area in Edo State.
Following her disappearance, her husband, Tony, reported to the police that she had been kidnapped. The family later received calls from individuals demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for her release.
As concern grew over her whereabouts, family members launched a public campaign seeking financial assistance to secure her freedom. Her daughter, Anita, who resides in Canada, spearheaded the fundraising effort, appealing to members of the public for support.
Several individuals and groups responded to the appeal, including Harmony Ladies Club, an organization to which Oluchi reportedly belonged. The club joined efforts to raise funds for what was believed to be her rescue.
However, police investigations reportedly took an unexpected turn after authorities tracked the phone number used to make the ransom demands.
According to reports, investigators traced the number to a hotel in Ubiaroko, Delta State, where they allegedly discovered Oluchi in the company of a man identified as Israel Ability.
A source familiar with the investigation said police found both individuals together inside the hotel room after locating the suspect through phone records.
The woman's husband was subsequently informed of the development, bringing an end to what authorities now believe was not a genuine kidnapping case.
In a video that has since circulated widely on social media, Anita expressed disbelief and disappointment over the outcome of the investigation.
"My mum has been released. My mum is involved in this kidnapping case. I only did what I did to save my mum," she said.
She explained that the family had cooperated fully with law enforcement throughout the investigation and that no ransom had been paid before her mother's recovery.
"We were called that my mum has been released. We didn't pay the kidnappers. The money is intact. We are going to make a refund. We involved the police from the beginning. We now know it was not a real kidnapping," she stated.
Anita further alleged that investigators informed the family that her mother and another individual had planned to benefit from funds already raised during the public appeal.
According to her, authorities suggested that the pair intended to obtain a portion of the donations, which had reportedly reached millions of naira.
Describing the emotional impact of the incident, Anita said the revelation had deeply affected the family, particularly her father, who is reportedly dealing with health challenges.
"This has shattered my family. My dad has some health issues. This is so unfortunate," she said.
Harmony Ladies Club also reacted to the development, expressing disappointment over the outcome of the case and distancing itself from Oluchi.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, CSP Moses Yamu, said four individuals had been arrested in connection with the case.
"I can confirm the incident and also let you know that four people have also been arrested in connection with the incident," Yamu said.
Police have not released further details about the suspects or potential charges but confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
The case has attracted significant public attention, particularly because of the widespread fundraising efforts that followed the reported abduction. Authorities say further findings will be made public as the investigation progresses.
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