The Police Command in Imo State has detained 17-year-old Jesse Chidebere, a student at Imo State University (IMSU), for faking her own abduction and death. This incident has caused considerable distress to her family and the university community.
According to ASP Henry Okoye, the Police Public Relations Officer in Imo, the situation began on October 26, when police received a distress call reporting Chidebere missing. A message sent from her WhatsApp account claimed she had been abducted and killed, urging her family to visit the Orji Police Station for confirmation.
In response, police operatives launched a search for Chidebere, only to discover the following morning, October 27, that she was alive and had fabricated the story as a social media prank.
Okoye stated that an investigation is underway to determine the motive behind her actions, and she will face prosecution. The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, condemned the “irresponsible behavior,” which he said wasted valuable resources and caused public panic.
He urged parents to caution their children against engaging in dangerous pranks and spreading misinformation, emphasizing that the command is committed to combating misinformation and ensuring a safe environment for all in the state.