The Imo State Police Command has arrested a 17-year-old girl identified as Jesse Chidiebere, a student of the Imo State University, IMSU, who faked her kidnapping and death.

A press statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, informed that her arrest was carried out by the Orji Police Divisional Headquarters on October 26, 2024 at 10pm after receiving an emergency call from to concerned citizens who reported her missing. The situation reportedly caused public unrest as her family and the university community were thrown into panic.

According to the statement, a message sent from her WhatsApp account claimed that she had been kidnapped and killed, urging her family to go to the Orji Police Station for confirmation.

Okoye also stated that responding to the emergency call, police operatives launched a search and discovered the next morning, October 27, 2024, that Chidebere was alive and made up the story as a hoax on social media.

The police spokesperson also informed that an investigation is underway to establish her motives for such mischief, noting that she will definitely be prosecuted.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, in his reaction to the development, expressed concern over the act, describing it as irresponsible behavior that wasted precious resources and caused public panic.

He urged parents to warn their children against engaging in dangerous pranks and spreading misinformation, saying the command remains committed to combating misinformation and ensuring a safe environment for all and sundry in the state.