A Nigerian businesswoman has recounted a frightening ordeal that nearly landed her in prison after she was wrongly linked to a kidnapping case involving a ₦50 million ransom.
In an interview with BBC Yoruba, now circulating on X, the woman explained that what started as a routine business transaction quickly turned into a nightmare.
According to her, the incident began on October 16, 2025, when a supposed customer contacted her to order nightwear. The buyer claimed she was using her husband’s phone because hers was faulty and selected two items, later requesting to pick them up at the businesswoman’s estate junction.
However, upon arrival, things took a shocking turn.
Instead of a customer, two individuals approached her, identified themselves as police officers, and immediately placed her under arrest over a SIM card allegedly linked to a kidnapping and murder case.
The businesswoman said she tried to explain that the SIM card in question was newly purchased in April 2025 and was only used in her business MiFi device. Despite this, the officers insisted she had been under surveillance for a crime that reportedly occurred in January 2024—months before she even acquired the line.
“They said the line was used for kidnapping, ₦50 million ransom was collected, and the victim was still killed,” she recounted.
Even after verification at a network provider’s office reportedly supported her claim, she alleged that authorities remained unconvinced, subjecting her to harassment and nearly charging her for a crime she had no connection to.
The story has since triggered widespread concern online, with many Nigerians warning about the dangers of pre-registered SIM cards and the risks of identity misuse. Others also raised alarms about how easily innocent individuals could become entangled in serious criminal investigations due to poor data tracking systems.
The incident adds to growing conversations around digital identity security and law enforcement procedures in Nigeria.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
