How DELSU Student Staged His Kidnap, Demanded N50m Ransom
A Delta State University student has been arrested for allegedly staging his own kidnapping and demanding a hefty N50 million ransom from his father.
Clare Ijeoma 
A Delta State University student has been arrested for allegedly staging his own kidnapping and demanding a hefty N50 million ransom from his father. The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Nelson Eserada, a final-year student, who is accused of orchestrating the elaborate scheme.
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The incident came to light when Nelson’s father reported the abduction to the Abraka division of the police. The father was told that the kidnappers had demanded the ransom in bitcoin and had sent a distressing video showing Nelson tied up and being subjected to torture.
However, the plot thickened when a technical intelligence-led investigation led to the arrest of Jerry Lawrence, an accomplice, on June 10, 2024. It was revealed that Nelson had conspired with Jerry to stage the kidnapping. In a brazen move, Nelson’s father had already paid a ransom of N5.2 million through Jerry’s bitcoin account.
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Both suspects are now in police custody as the investigation continues. The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has issued a stern warning to parents about the importance of proper training and care for their children. He also cautioned youths against falling prey to the allure of quick wealth through criminal activities.
