Kidnapped Kwara monarch regains freedom after additional ₦12m ransom payment

The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, has finally regained his freedom after spending nearly a month in captivity following his abduction by gunmen in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The traditional ruler was released on Wednesday night, with reports indicating that his family paid an additional ₦12 million ransom to secure his freedom.

His release comes weeks after his son, Olaolu, who was kidnapped alongside him, was freed earlier following the payment of an initial ₦20 million ransom.

A family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed the development, saying prolonged negotiations led to the monarch’s release.

“It is true the monarch was released on Wednesday night after we paid N12 million and two power banks in addition to the earlier N20 million paid before.

“They dropped him at a local herders’ settlement around Oreke in Ifelodun Local Government Area. From there, he was taken to the military base in Oreke, where they contacted us,” the source said.

According to the source, the monarch was receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital after suffering physical and psychological trauma during the period in captivity.

“He is in high spirits now. The family and the entire Afin community are grateful to everyone who ensured his safe release,” the source added.

However, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the monarch’s release but said it was not aware of any ransom payment.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, said that the monarch had been reunited with his family after intensified joint security operations in the area.

“You are aware that their ongoing joint security operations on that axis and the bandits are fleeing, we are not aware of any ransom payment.

“The CP Adekimi Ojo has always frowned at ransom payment and always advised the victim’s family to always provide security agencies with credible information,” she added.

Recall that the monarch, popularly known as the Oniwo I of Afin community in the Ile-Ire District, was abducted on New Year’s Eve during a violent attack on his palace.

About eight gunmen were said to have invaded the palace around 8pm, shooting sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his wife before abducting the ruler and one of his sons, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps.

Two weeks after the incident, Olaolu was freed following the payment of a N20m ransom after negotiations between the family and the kidnappers.

Residents of Afin community had expressed anger and fear over the attack, urging security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to curb the rising wave of kidnappings and banditry in rural parts of Kwara State.

The incident was among several high-profile abductions recorded in the state in recent months, heightening concerns about worsening insecurity, especially in the southern axis of Kwara.

(PUNCH)