• Police foil terror attack near Owerri airport, seize arms, vehicle
• Give condition for masquerades at Iwuanyanwu’s burial

A 17-year-old student of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, has been arrested by the Orji Police Division in Owerri North, Imo State, for allegedly faking her own abduction and death.
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The Imo State Police Command confirmed the arrest in a statement by its spokesperson, Henry Okoye.

According to Okoye, the police received a distress call from concerned citizens reporting that the student, identified as Jesse Chidebere, was missing.

The alarm stemmed from a WhatsApp message sent from Chidebere’s account, claiming she had been abducted and killed. The message created widespread panic among her friends, family, and the university community.

“The Orji Police Divisional Headquarters has arrested Jesse Chidebere, a student of Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, for faking her own abduction and death,” the police statement read. “This hoax caused significant distress to her family and the university community.”

Okoye further revealed that upon receiving the report on October 26, 2024, around 10:00 p.m., police immediately launched a search. However, the following morning, October 27, 2024, they found Chidebere alive and determined that the entire story had been fabricated as a prank on social media.

An investigation is underway to uncover the motive behind her actions, and Chidebere will face prosecution for causing public mischief, Okoye added.

Also, the police command successfully foiled an attempted attack by suspected terrorists near the Sam Mbakwe International Airport on Owerri/Aba Road, neutralising one suspect and recovering an AK-47 rifle, arms, ammunition, and a vehicle .

According to Okoye, the incident occurred on October 29, 2024, when a group of about 10 armed suspects confronted police operatives during a routine patrol. In response, officers engaged the assailants, resulting in one fatality among the suspects while others fled, abandoning one of their vehicles and the weaponry.

In a separate development, the police assured the public of robust security measures for the upcoming burial of the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, in Atta, Ikeduru Local Council.

The command has mandated that any masquerade groups intending to participate must be profiled by the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure a peaceful event.
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