The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has rescued a 25-year-old woman, Promise Eze, who was found unconscious and tied up in a hotel room after meeting a man she connected with on an online dating platform.
The suspect, who initially introduced himself as Michael Prince but was later identified as Emmanuel Okoro, is currently on the run. Law enforcement agencies have launched a manhunt to ensure his swift arrest.
Distress Call Leads to Rescue
According to a statement by the FCT Police Command spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the police received an emergency call from a hotel in Wuse, Abuja, on January 31, 2025, at approximately 11:30 AM. The hotel staff reported suspicious activity in one of their rooms.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Eze tied to a small chair, her mouth covered in plaster, and lying unconscious on the floor. She was immediately rushed to Wuse District Hospital, where medical personnel worked to resuscitate her.
“Responding swiftly, police operatives arrived at the scene and discovered a 25-year-old woman, Promise Eze, from Ebonyi State, tied to a small chair with her mouth covered in plaster. She was found unconscious and in distress. Officers acted immediately, freeing her from captivity and rushing her to the Wuse District Hospital, where she was resuscitated,” the police statement read.
The Dangerous Online Encounter
Investigations revealed that Eze had checked into the hotel with Okoro on January 30, 2025, at around 7:00 AM. She had met him online, where he introduced himself as Michael Prince, claiming to be an oil company employee based in Delta State.
Initially, Okoro invited Eze to visit him in Delta, but when she declined, they agreed to meet in Abuja instead.
“Preliminary investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of deception and violence. The victim had checked into the hotel a day earlier, on January 30, 2025, at about 7:00 AM, in the company of a man who identified himself as Emmanuel Okoro from Lagos State,” the police stated.
“During questioning, 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. Initially, he invited her to Delta State, but after she declined, they agreed to meet in Abuja.”
The Attack and Escape
Eze recounted that what was supposed to be a harmless meeting quickly turned into a terrifying experience. Shortly after they checked into the hotel, Okoro brandished a dagger, using it to intimidate and subdue her. He then tied her hands and legs, taped her mouth shut, and locked her inside the bathroom before fleeing with her two mobile phones.
“What was meant to be an innocent meeting turned into a harrowing ordeal. 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,” the statement added.
Eze also overheard a phone conversation before the suspect fled, which indicated that Okoro might not have been acting alone.
“Alarmingly, before escaping, the victim overheard him speaking to suspected accomplices over the phone, informing them that he was on his way to regroup before returning to the hotel to ‘finish the job,’” the police disclosed.
Police Response and Public Warning
The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, strongly condemned the incident and reassured the public that efforts were in full swing to locate and apprehend Okoro. He also advised young people, particularly women, to exercise extreme caution when meeting individuals online.
“We urge members of the public, especially young women, to be cautious when engaging with strangers on online platforms. Always inform a trusted friend or relative about your whereabouts and avoid meeting strangers in private or isolated locations,” Disu said.
Authorities are now calling on anyone with useful information about Okoro’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station or contact the command’s emergency lines.
The Dangers of Online Dating Scams
This case highlights the increasing dangers associated with online dating and social media interactions. Scammers and criminals often take advantage of unsuspecting victims, luring them into compromising situations before robbing, assaulting, or even attempting to harm them.
In Nigeria, reports of people being defrauded or attacked through online dating apps and social media platforms have been on the rise. These crimes are often perpetrated by individuals who use fake identities to gain their victims’ trust.
Security experts advise individuals to take the following precautions when meeting someone for the first time:
- Verify Identities: Conduct background checks before meeting anyone from an online platform.
- Meet in Public Places: Always choose crowded, secure locations for first meetings.
- Inform a Trusted Person: Let friends or family members know where you are going and whom you are meeting.
- Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information: Refrain from revealing personal details or financial information.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, leave the situation immediately.
Conclusion
The swift intervention of the FCT Police Command saved Promise Eze from a potentially fatal situation. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with online interactions and the need for increased vigilance.
As the police intensify efforts to track down Emmanuel Okoro, authorities continue to urge Nigerians to be cautious when dealing with strangers online. The case also underscores the importance of strict security measures in hotels and public spaces to prevent such incidents in the future.
