DELSU student kidnaps self and demands N50 million ransom deposited into Bitcoin account

The Delta police command has apprehended Nelson Eserada, a 400-level Delta State University student suspected of self-kidnapping, and his accomplice, Jerry Lawrence.

SP Bright Edafe, the command’s spokesman, informed journalists in Warri on Thursday that the suspects were apprehended on Monday in Abraka, Ethiope East Local Government Area.

Mr Edafe stated that the couple were apprehended following an intelligence-led investigation by SP Fabian Ayameh, Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Abraka Division.

He claimed the father of the alleged self-kidnapper filed a complaint with the Abraka division about his son’s kidnapping.

The complainant also stated that the abductors demanded a ransom of N50 million in Bitcoin.

He said the complainant also sent to the police a video of his son tied and being tortured.

“Following complaints received from the father of one Nelson Eserada at Abraka Division, that his son was kidnapped and that the kidnappers were demanding a ransom of N50 million in Bitcoin, the DPO Ayameh swiftly embarked on a technical intelligence-led investigation.

“On June 10, 2024, one Jerry Lawrence was arrested in connection with the crime,” he said.

Mr Edafe stated that a preliminary investigation found that Mr Lawrence reportedly plotted with the suspected self-kidnapper to carry out the crime.

He stated that the alleged kidnapping victim was a 400-level Delta University (DELSU) student from Abraka.

According to a police spokesman, the suspected self-kidnapper’s father has already paid the ransom of N5.2 million through Mr Lawrence’s Bitcoin account.

He stated that the individuals were in police custody and that an investigation was ongoing.