Online Romance Turns to Horror- FCT Police rescue lady from suspected ritualist she met online

In a harrowing incident that underscores the dangers of online deception, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has successfully rescued a young woman from an alleged armed robber and ritualist. The suspect, who fled the scene before authorities arrived, is now the target of an intensive manhunt.

According to SP Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, the distress call came in on January 31, 2025, at approximately 11:30 AM. A hotel in Wuse alerted the authorities to suspicious activity in one of its rooms. Upon arrival, officers discovered 25-year-old Promise Eze, a resident of Ebonyi State, in a dire state—unconscious, bound to a chair, and her mouth covered with plaster. She was immediately rescued and rushed to Wuse District Hospital, where she was resuscitated.

Preliminary investigations revealed a shocking backstory. The victim had checked into the hotel the previous morning, January 30, 2025, at around 7:00 AM, accompanied by a man she knew as Emmanuel Okoro from Lagos. However, during questioning, she revealed that she had actually met him online under the alias Michael Prince. He had initially invited her to Delta State, claiming to be an oil company employee, but after she declined, they agreed to meet in Abuja instead.

What was meant to be a casual meeting soon turned into a nightmare. The suspect allegedly threatened Promise with a dagger, bound her hands and legs, and gagged her before locking her in the bathroom. He then fled, taking her two mobile phones. Before leaving, however, she overheard him speaking to suspected accomplices, informing them that he was on his way to regroup before returning to the hotel to "finish the job."

The FCT Police Command has since launched a full-scale manhunt for the suspect, vowing to bring him to justice. Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, strongly condemned the act, urging residents—especially young women—to exercise caution when meeting strangers.

“The safety of our residents remains our top priority,” CP Disu assured. “We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrator is apprehended and justice is served.”

Authorities are calling on anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the suspect’s capture. The public can reach the police through the following emergency contacts:

• Emergency Line: 08032003913
• Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192