Imo State Police Detain IMSU Student for Faking Own Abduction and Death
Imo State Police have detained 17-year-old Jesse Chidebere, an Imo State University student, for faking her own abduction and death in a social media prank. The incident began on October 26 when concerned citizens reported her missing after a WhatsApp message claimed she had been kidnapped and killed.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Imo State Police Command has detained 17-year-old Jesse Chidebere, a student of Imo State University (IMSU), for allegedly faking her own abduction and death in a shocking social media prank.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement released in Owerri on Tuesday, noting that the hoax caused considerable distress to Chidebere's family and the university community.
According to the statement, on October 26, around 10:00 p.m., the police received a distress call from concerned citizens reporting Chidebere as missing. The situation escalated when a message sent from her WhatsApp account claimed she had been kidnapped and killed, urging her family to visit the Orji Police Station for confirmation.
In response, police operatives initiated a search operation. By the following morning, October 27, they discovered that Chidebere was alive and had fabricated the story as a prank on social media.
ASP Okoye indicated that an investigation is underway to determine her motives for the mischief, and she will face prosecution for her actions. He highlighted the serious implications of her behavior, which wasted valuable police resources and caused public panic.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, expressed his concern over such "irresponsible behavior" and urged parents to educate their children about the dangers of engaging in similar pranks and spreading misinformation.
“The command remains committed to combating misinformation and ensuring a safe environment for all and sundry in the state,” Okoye affirmed.
