A 25-year-old woman, Promise Eze, was rescued by the operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command after being tied up and left unconscious by a man she met through an online dating platform.
The suspect, who initially introduced himself as Michael Prince but later revealed his true identity as Emmanuel Okoro, is currently evading capture, prompting police to initiate a manhunt.
A police spokesperson reported that they received a distress call from a hotel in the Wuse area of the FCT regarding suspicious activities in one of its rooms. Upon their arrival, officers found Eze bound to a chair with her mouth covered and lying on the floor unconscious.
She was promptly taken to Wuse District Hospital for emergency treatment and was successfully resuscitated.
Reports indicate that Eze had checked into the hotel the day before, on January 30, with Okoro, whom she had met online. The suspect had misrepresented himself as an oil company employee based in Delta State and had initially asked her to visit him there. However, they ultimately agreed to meet in Abuja.
Investigation findings revealed a deeply troubling situation, as Okoro allegedly threatened Eze with a dagger before restraining her in the hotel bathroom. He subsequently fled the scene after stealing her two mobile phones. Disturbingly, Eze reported overhearing Okoro communicating with suspected accomplices, indicating his intention to return to the hotel.
The FCT Commissioner of Police condemned the incident and urged young women to exercise caution when meeting individuals from online platforms. He reassured the public that all efforts are focused on apprehending the suspect and recommended that anyone with information on his whereabouts reach out to the police emergency lines.
