The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 31-year-old man, Chukwemeka Destiny, for allegedly plotting to kidnap his aunt, who raised him from childhood.
The suspect was paraded on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, Edafe Bright, who disclosed that Destiny had paid a total of N900,000 to individuals he believed were kidnappers to abduct the woman.
According to the police, Destiny made two separate payments—an initial N200,000 deposit followed by N700,000—to facilitate the planned abduction.
Bright described the incident as part of a troubling trend of violence against benefactors, noting that similar cases have involved workers and security personnel turning against those who supported them.
Police investigations revealed that Destiny lived with his aunt for about 10 years, from the age of five to 15, before cutting off contact with the family.
“All of a sudden, something just came up in his mind to kidnap the aunt who trained him and saw him through school,” Bright said.
The plot, however, failed after the individuals Destiny approached turned out not to be kidnappers. Instead, they reportedly set him up and handed him over to the police, thereby preventing the crime.
“Unknown to him, the people he contacted were not kidnappers. They used him as bait and handed him over, saving the life of his aunt,” Bright added.
During interrogation, Destiny reportedly admitted to the crime but said he could not explain his actions, attributing them to external influence.
“Sincerely, I am guilty of what happened. I don’t know what came over me,” he said, adding that he believed it was “the devil’s work.”
The suspect, a married father of two, said he operates a haulage and building materials business and used proceeds from the venture to fund the failed plot.
The victim, identified as his aunt and caregiver, expressed shock over the development, describing Destiny as the son of her elder sister.
“I was shocked. I cried,” she said, recalling that he had not visited her since leaving her home at age 15 despite occasionally being seen in the neighbourhood.
When asked whether she preferred leniency or prosecution, the woman insisted that the law should take its course.
“Anything they know to do such people, you should do it to him,” she said.
Bright commended her position, urging members of the public to support justice in similar cases.
The suspect is currently in custody with the command’s Raiders squad, while investigations continue.
About The Author
