Jesse Chidebere, a 17-year-old student at Imo State University (IMSU) in Owerri, has been arrested by the Orji Police Divisional Headquarters for falsely claiming that she had been kidnapped and killed, causing significant distress to her family and the university community.
On October 26, 2024, around 10 PM, police received a report from concerned citizens about Chidebere’s disappearance. 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 launched a search and discovered the following morning, October 27, 2024, that Chidebere was safe and had fabricated the entire story as a prank on social media.
An investigation is currently underway to determine her motives for this act, and she will likely face prosecution.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has expressed concern over such irresponsible behavior, which wastes valuable resources and incites public panic. He urges parents to caution their children against engaging in dangerous pranks and spreading misinformation.
The police command remains committed to combating misinformation and ensuring a safe environment for everyone in the state.
