The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 31-year-old man, Chukwemeka Destiny, for allegedly orchestrating a plan to kidnap his aunt who raised him from childhood.
The suspect was paraded on Saturday by police spokesperson Bright Edafe, who revealed that Destiny had paid a total of ₦900,000 to individuals he believed were kidnappers to carry out the abduction.
According to police accounts, Destiny lived under his aunt’s care from the age of five until he turned 15, during which she funded his upbringing and education. He reportedly severed ties with the family after leaving her home.
Edafe described the case as part of a troubling pattern of betrayal-driven crimes, where individuals target those who once supported them.
Investigations showed the suspect paid the money in two installments—₦200,000 initially, followed by ₦700,000. However, the plan failed after the individuals he approached turned out not to be criminals. Instead, they reportedly pretended to cooperate before handing him over to authorities, preventing the alleged abduction.
During interrogation, Destiny admitted involvement but claimed he could not explain his motive. He described himself as a married father of two and said the funds used in the plot were sourced from his haulage and building materials business.
The intended victim, identified as his aunt and guardian, expressed shock and distress upon learning of the alleged plan. She said Destiny had not maintained a relationship with the family since leaving her home as a teenager, despite occasionally being seen in the neighborhood.
When asked about her stance, she said the law should take its full course, a position police authorities commended as necessary in addressing rising cases of violent crimes involving close associates.
The suspect is currently in custody with the Raiders Squad as investigations continue.
