The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued a 25-year-old woman, Promise Eze, from an alleged armed robber and ritualist at a hotel in Wuse, Abuja.
The suspect, who introduced himself as Emmanuel Okoro, fled the scene, prompting a police manhunt.
On January 31, 2025, at around 11:30 AM, police operatives responded to a distress call from the hotel, where they found Eze tied to a stool with her mouth covered in plaster.
She was unconscious but was immediately rescued and taken to Wuse District Hospital for medical attention.
Police in a statement by Josephine Adeh, Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Command, Abuja stated, “The victim disclosed that she had met the suspect online, where he introduced himself under the alias Michael Prince, claiming to be an oil company employee based in Delta State.”
Tragically, what was meant to be a casual meeting turned into a horrifying experience.
“The suspect allegedly brandished a dagger, using it to threaten and subdue the victim before restraining her by tying her hands and legs and taping her mouth shut inside the bathroom. He then fled the scene, stealing her two mobile phones.”
Before escaping, the suspect reportedly spoke to suspected accomplices, telling them he was “on his way to regroup before returning to the hotel to ‘finish the job.'”
Recognising the severity of the incident, the FCT Police Command said it has launched a full-scale manhunt for the suspect.
The FCT police commissioner, CP Olatunji Disu, condemned the attack, urging residents—especially young women—to be cautious when meeting strangers.
“The CP reassures the public that the FCT Police Command remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” the state said.
Adeh said the authorities have intensified efforts to track down the suspect. The police also called on the public to provide any useful information that could aid in his arrest.
