Juliet Ezeh
Chukwemeka Destiny, a 31-year-old man
has been arrested by the Delta State Police Command for allegedly planning the abduction of his aunt who raised him from childhood, in a case that has shocked residents and raised concerns over betrayal within close family circles.
The suspect was paraded on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer in Delta State, Bright Edafe, who said the man had arranged with individuals he believed were kidnappers and paid them a total of N900,000 to carry out the operation.
According to the police, Destiny grew up under the care of the woman from the age of five until he turned 15. She was responsible for his upbringing, education, and general welfare before he reportedly left home and lost contact with the family.
Police spokesperson Bright Edafe said the case reflects a disturbing trend where individuals turn against those who once supported them.
He explained that the suspect allegedly conceived the plan to abduct his aunt and proceeded to reach out to people he thought were professional kidnappers.
Investigations revealed that he made two separate payments, first transferring N200,000 and later adding N700,000, bringing the total amount to N900,000.
However, the plot failed when the individuals he contacted turned out to be working with law enforcement or deceived him into believing they were criminals. They reportedly played along, gathered evidence, and later handed him over to the police.
Edafe said the suspect was arrested before any harm could be done to the victim.
“Unknown to him, the people he contacted were not kidnappers. They cooperated with the police and ensured he was arrested before the plan could be executed,” he said.
During interrogation, Destiny admitted involvement in the plot but said he could not clearly explain what led him to plan the crime.
He told investigators that he was overwhelmed and acted without a clear motive.
“I know what I did is wrong. I don’t know what came over me,” he reportedly said.
The suspect, who identified himself as a married man with two children, also stated that he runs a haulage and building materials business. He claimed the money used for the plan was earned from his business activities.
According to him, the payments were made in two stages, beginning with N200,000 followed by N700,000.
When further questioned about his intentions, he attributed his actions to spiritual influence.
“The devil pushed me,” he said.
The intended victim, who is the suspect’s maternal aunt, said she was devastated upon hearing about the alleged plot against her life.
She explained that she had taken him in as a child and supported him until his teenage years, after which he left home and cut off communication with the family.
According to her, although he occasionally appeared around the neighbourhood, he never made any effort to reconnect with the family or return home.
“I was shocked when I heard it. I was just crying,” she said.
When asked if she would seek forgiveness for him, the woman insisted that the law should take its course.
“Whatever the law decides should be done,” she said.
Police authorities described her response as significant, noting that victims in similar cases sometimes face pressure to withdraw complaints due to family ties.
Bright Edafe said allowing the law to take its full course is important in preventing similar crimes.
He added that the case highlights a growing concern involving violent intentions among individuals who have personal relationships with their victims.
The suspect is currently being held by the Raiders Squad of the Delta State Police Command as investigations continue into the full circumstances surrounding the attempted crime.
Police say further details will be released as inquiries progress.