A shocking case of abduction and suspected ritual activity has gripped the Federal Capital Territory as police operatives successfully rescued a 25-year-old woman who was found unconscious, bound to a chair, and gagged inside a hotel bathroom in Wuse, Abuja. The incident, which took place on Friday, has sparked urgent calls for heightened vigilance, especially among young women who engage with strangers online.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, the swift intervention of law enforcement officers was instrumental in saving the victim’s life. A distress call from the hotel, received at approximately 11:30 a.m., alerted the police to suspicious activity in one of the rooms. Upon arrival, officers discovered the woman, identified as Promise Eze from Ebonyi State, in a deeply distressing state—her hands and legs tied to a chair, her mouth taped shut, and her consciousness fading. Without hesitation, they freed her and rushed her to Wuse District Hospital, where she was resuscitated.
Preliminary investigations by the police have revealed a disturbing pattern of deception and violence. The victim had checked into the hotel the previous day at 7 a.m. with a man who identified himself as Emmanuel Okoro from Lagos State. However, further inquiries uncovered that the suspect had used a false identity, introducing himself online as “Michael Prince,” and claiming to be an oil company employee based in Delta State. After establishing contact through social media, he initially invited the victim to Delta, but when she declined, they agreed to meet in Abuja.
What was expected to be a simple meeting soon turned into a nightmare. According to the victim’s account, upon reaching the hotel, the suspect brandished a dagger, threatened her into submission, and proceeded to tie her hands and legs before sealing her mouth with tape inside the bathroom. He then fled the scene, stealing her two mobile phones. Alarmingly, before leaving, the suspect was overheard speaking to suspected accomplices, informing them that he was on his way to regroup before returning to “finish the job.” This chilling revelation has led authorities to believe that the suspect may be linked to a broader network of criminals involved in violent crimes and possible ritual activities.
In response to the heinous act, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has launched a full-scale manhunt for the fleeing suspect, assuring the public that every effort is being made to track him down and bring him to justice. He strongly condemned the incident and urged residents, particularly young women, to exercise extreme caution when meeting individuals they do not personally know. He further emphasized the importance of verifying identities before engaging in physical meetings, particularly with strangers encountered online.
Security experts have also weighed in on the case, highlighting the increasing risks associated with online interactions. The rise in social media-facilitated crimes has been a growing concern, with many perpetrators using fake identities to lure unsuspecting victims into dangerous situations. Authorities are now calling for greater awareness and preventive measures to protect potential victims from falling into similar traps.
As investigations continue, the police are urging anyone with relevant information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest to come forward. Members of the public who may have seen or had any encounters with the suspect are encouraged to contact the police immediately via mobile numbers 08032003913 and 08107314192.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital space and the need for heightened personal security measures. While the police have intensified their efforts to track down the suspect, the public is advised to remain cautious, report suspicious activities, and prioritize their safety when dealing with unknown individuals.
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