The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully rescued a young woman from a suspected armed robber and ritualist in Abuja.

In a statement released on its official X handle on Sunday, the Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed that a manhunt has been launched for the fleeing suspect.

Rescue Operation in Wuse Hotel

The incident occurred in a hotel in the Wuse area of Abuja, where 25-year-old Promise Eze, from Ebonyi State, was found tied to a small chair with her mouth covered in plaster.

She was discovered unconscious and in distress, but police officers responded swiftly, freeing her and rushing her to Wuse District Hospital, where she was resuscitated.

How the Victim Was Lured

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had checked into the hotel on January 30, 2025, with a man who identified himself as Emmanuel Okoro from Lagos State.

However, during questioning, Promise disclosed that she had met the suspect online, where he introduced himself as Michael Prince, claiming to be an oil company employee based in Delta State. Initially, he invited her to Delta, but when she declined, they agreed to meet in Abuja instead.

A Harrowing Ordeal

What was meant to be a casual meeting soon turned into a nightmare. The suspect allegedly brandished a dagger to threaten and subdue the victim before restraining her by tying her hands and legs and taping her mouth shut inside the bathroom.

Before fleeing, he stole her two mobile phones. Alarmingly, the victim overheard him speaking on the phone with suspected accomplices, informing them that he was regrouping before returning to “finish the job.”

Police Launch Manhunt

Recognizing the severity of the crime, the FCT Police Command has launched a full-scale manhunt for the suspect to ensure his immediate arrest.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, condemned the attack and urged residents—especially young women—to exercise caution when meeting strangers online.

He reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to maintaining safety and security in the FCT and encouraged anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to contact the police through the following:

• Emergency Line:08032003913

• Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192

The FCT Police Command also urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and cooperate with law enforcement to keep communities safe.