A 24-year-old woman, Jessica Anthony, has confessed to the Delta State Police that she conspired with a friend, identified as Ada, to hire armed robbers to steal her boyfriend’s gold. The duo is currently in police custody in Asaba, following their failed attempt.
Jessica revealed that she approached the armed robbers to rob her boyfriend’s house so she could receive the money from the sale of his valuables. According to her, the plan was motivated by the need to pay her sister’s bills.
“I asked the bad guys to go there to collect his gold. They would have sold it and given the money to me,” Jessica admitted. She also explained that she could not imagine her boyfriend doing the same to her, showing some awareness of the wrongfulness of her actions.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, provided details during the suspects’ parade. He said Jessica and her boyfriend had been dating for some time before breaking up and later reconciling in December 2025. “In fact, they were intimate in December last month. Lo and behold, she, in connivance with her friend, went to one of the black spots we have in Warri trying to locate any of the bad guys,” SP Edafe stated.
The police spokesman added that Jessica pleaded with the criminals to help rob her boyfriend. However, the woman did not know that the man she contacted to commit the crime turned out to be the leader of the community, who had been assisting the police in flushing out criminals.
“Unfortunately for her, he happened to know the guy because they asked for the person’s picture. Upon bringing the picture, it happened to be someone they knew. He quickly contacted him, and they arranged to play along with her plan,” SP Edafe said.
Jessica reportedly transferred N50,000 through POS and gave an additional N15,000 in cash to the criminals to cover the supposed cost of tools for the robbery. The total sum of N65,000 was handed to the supposed armed robbers. She also personally led them to her boyfriend’s estate, showing them his house.
The plan fell apart when the boyfriend alerted the security personnel of his estate while the women and the criminals were returning from the location. The police quickly intervened, and the suspects were arrested. Under questioning, Jessica admitted her role in the plot.
The boyfriend, whose valuables included a gold bracelet worth N4.2 million and another piece of gold valued at N8.9 million, expressed shock and heartbreak at the betrayal. “I feel heartbroken because I never expected it from her,” he said.
According to SP Edafe, Jessica is a secondary school dropout. Her confession and cooperation with the police are being used as part of the ongoing investigation. “She actually took them to the estate where the boyfriend lives, showed them the house, and facilitated the crime. But thanks to swift action and community vigilance, the plan was foiled,” he added.
Cases of women or acquaintances attempting to hire criminals to commit robbery or theft are increasingly being reported across Nigeria. Security analysts say that strained personal relationships, financial pressures, and lack of education often contribute to such criminal acts.
In Delta State, the collaboration between police and community leaders has played a crucial role in curbing criminal activities. Community leaders are often trusted with monitoring black spots and identifying suspected criminals before they carry out their operations. This partnership was key in preventing the robbery planned by Jessica and her friend.
The case has sparked discussions on social media and among Delta residents, who expressed shock at the audacity of the plot and the role of women in initiating crime against their intimate partners. Many have called for increased awareness campaigns targeting young women and men on the consequences of criminal behavior and the importance of ethical decision-making.
Jessica’s explanation that she intended to use the money to offset her sister’s bills highlights a common justification some individuals give for criminal acts—financial need. However, law enforcement officials emphasize that such reasons cannot excuse breaking the law or endangering others.
The Delta State Police have reassured residents that suspects in robbery and related criminal cases will face strict legal action. SP Edafe warned, “Anyone attempting to engage in criminal conspiracy will not go unpunished. The law will take its course, and community vigilance will continue to assist us in protecting lives and property.”
Criminologists also stress that preventive measures, such as counseling services, youth education, and community programs, are essential to curb criminal activities among young people. They recommend that parents, schools, and community leaders work together to instill values of honesty, integrity, and responsibility.
This incident also raises questions about the vulnerability of relationships where trust is compromised. Experts say that betrayal in intimate relationships can lead to emotional trauma, legal disputes, and in some cases, criminal behavior.
Delta State has recorded several high-profile robbery attempts in recent years. Authorities have continued to rely on a combination of intelligence, community policing, and rapid response teams to address these crimes. SP Edafe noted that the involvement of community leaders, like in this case, often makes the difference between crime prevention and criminal success.
For Jessica Anthony, the arrest and her ongoing police custody serve as a cautionary tale for young women and men who may consider engaging in criminal activities against those close to them. The Delta State Police have confirmed that further investigations are ongoing, including the arrest of others who may be linked to the planned robbery.