A young woman, 25-year-old Promise Eze, was found unconscious and bound to a stool in a hotel room in Wuse, Abuja, after a terrifying encounter with an armed man who posed as an oil company worker. The police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who fled the scene shortly before the authorities arrived.
The disturbing incident unfolded on January 31, 2025, around 11:30 AM, when the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police received a distress call from the hotel. Officers arrived to find Eze in a dire state: her hands and legs were tied, and her mouth was sealed with plaster. She had been left unconscious by the suspect, who had fled the scene, leaving no trace of his whereabouts.
Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Police Command, provided details of the case. According to Adeh, the victim disclosed that she had met the suspect, who introduced himself online under the alias Michael Prince. Claiming to be an oil company employee based in Delta State, the man convinced Eze to meet with him. However, their encounter quickly turned into a nightmare.
“The suspect allegedly brandished a dagger and threatened the victim, restraining her by tying her hands and legs and taping her mouth shut inside the bathroom. He then fled the scene, taking her two mobile phones with him,” said Adeh.
Before escaping, the suspect reportedly spoke to someone over the phone, telling them that he was “on his way to regroup before returning to the hotel to ‘finish the job.'”
This chilling statement has raised concerns among the police, who fear the man may pose an even greater threat.
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The police immediately began searching for the suspect, who is believed to be armed and dangerous. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, condemned the attack and urged the public to remain vigilant, especially young women meeting people online.
“We encourage everyone to be cautious when engaging with strangers, especially in unfamiliar situations. Our priority is to ensure the safety of all residents in the FCT,” said CP Disu.
In an effort to bring the suspect to justice, the FCT Police have intensified their search and are calling on the public for help. Anyone with information that could lead to his arrest is urged to contact the authorities immediately.
“Rest assured, we are committed to keeping the people of Abuja safe. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to track down the suspect and hold him accountable for this crime” Adeh said.
The police have yet to release further details about the suspect, but they remain hopeful that a tip from the public will lead to his capture. Meanwhile, Eze is receiving medical attention at Wuse District Hospital, where she is said to be recovering from the traumatic experience.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of meeting people online and the need for increased awareness and caution in today’s digital age. The FCT Police are urging everyone to take necessary precautions to protect themselves from potential harm.