Imaobong Sampson Francis, a woman from Nung Oku Village in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, was arrested by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for staging her own kidnapping and demanding a N4m ransom from her aunt who lives abroad.

This was revealed by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Waheed Ayilara, during a press conference in Uyo, where he stated that Imaobong conspired with her boyfriend and three others to carry out the fake kidnapping scheme in order to extort money from her aunt.

The police were able to apprehend Imaobong and her boyfriend, Beltus Ebong, at a hideout in Mbierebe Obio, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA. Upon questioning, Imaobong admitted to planning the kidnapping hoax with her boyfriend and others to deceive her aunt into sending money.