Police also said an investigation is ongoing to ascertain her motives for such mischief, noting that she would face prosecution
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 17-year-old Imo State University (IMSU) student, Chidiebere Jesse, who faked her kidnap and death.
The development was disclosed via a press release issued by the public relations officer of the command, ASP Henry Okoye, who noted that her arrest was effected by the Orji Police Divisional Headquarters on October 26, after receiving a distress call from concerned citizens reporting her missing.
According to him, the situation reportedly caused public unrest as her family and the university community were thrown into panic.
He further stated that the saga began after a message sent from Chidiebere’s WhatsApp account claimed she had been abducted and killed.
Okoye went on to say police operatives while responding to the distress call, launched a search and discovered the following morning, that she was alive and had fabricated the story as a prank on social media.
He added that an investigation is ongoing to ascertain her motives for such mischief, noting that she would certainly face prosecution.
The statement read, “Last Saturday, police received a distress call from concerned citizens reporting Chidebere missing. A message sent from her WhatsApp account claimed she had been abducted and killed, urging her family to go to the Orji Police Station for confirmation.
“In response, police operatives launched a search and discovered on Sunday that Chidebere was alive and had fabricated the story as a prank on social media. An investigation is ongoing to ascertain her motives for such mischief and she will certainly face prosecution.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, while reacting to the development, expressed concern over the behaviour he described as “irresponsible, which wastes valuable resources and causes public panic.”
He urged parents to caution their children against engaging in dangerous pranks and spreading misinformation, maintaining that the command remains committed to combating misinformation and ensuring a safe environment for all and sundry in the state.