The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has intercepted a dismissed immigration officer who was allegedly attempting to sell sophisticated firearms to bandits operating in the Abuja-Kaduna forest.

The dismissed officer, whose name was not disclosed, was intercepted and arrested following an intelligence-led operation by the police.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, the Officer in Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Mustafa Mohammed, said the operation prevented the arms from reaching criminal elements whom he said could have made them deadly.

He said, “Acting on intelligence, the command intercepted these guns from a dismissed immigration officer attempting to sell them to bandits terrorising the Abuja-Kaduna forest. The intelligence was received in time, and the arms were intercepted while he was trying to make the delivery,” Mohammed stated.

Mohammed said among the recovered weapons was a Scorpion CZ EVO3, an advanced, fully automatic firearm with an inbuilt silencer.

“This is the latest model, the 2022 version of the Scorpion series.

It can be used in single, automatic, or burst mode. It is a highly sophisticated weapon, and its magazine can hold between 20 and 30 rounds, depending on the configuration. We also recovered 52 rounds of ammunition which could have posed a severe threat had they fallen into the hands of criminals.“

Speaking earlier, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, said 300 suspects were arrested between January and February 28, 2025.

He said, “In its sustained effort to rid the Federal Capital Territory of crime and criminal elements, the FCT Police Command has intensified its operations, carrying out a series of high-impact raids from January 1 to February 28, 2025. These decisive actions, driven by intelligence and executed with tactical precision, have led to the arrest of 300 suspects and the recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and illicit substances. The total number of armed robbers arrested: 59. The total number of kidnappers and informants arrested: 10. The total number of armed robbers neutralised: nine.

The total number of kidnappers neutralised: seven. The total number of cultists arrested: 16.”

He also said targeted raid and clearance operations were conducted in identified criminal hideouts.

Disu said, “Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the safety of residents, the command deployed specialised tactical teams to raid identified criminal hideouts and black spots across the FCT. These operations covered high-risk areas, including Dei-Dei, Karu, Gwarinpa, Jikwoyi, Karimo, and Maitama.

“Additionally, abandoned buildings across the city, frequently used as hideouts and bases for planning illicit activities, have been identified and will be subject to continuous monitoring and raids.”

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed reports of the alleged ritual killing of a 28-year-old Lagos State University graduate, Adedamola Ogunbode.

The command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, while reacting to an inquiry by PUNCH Metro, on Wednesday, confirmed that Ogunbode was declared missing.

He, however, clarified that his mutilated body was not found as circulated on social media.

However, Hundeyin confirmed that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the case, including a prophet.

He said, “A report was made to the police that the said graduate was missing and three suspects were arrested, including a prophet.  However, the police did not discover any mutilated body of the missing graduate as being circulated on social media.  He is still missing and we are investigating a case of a missing person, not murder. There is no dead person anywhere.”

The development came after the management of the university demanded justice for the missing graduate who was alleged to have been killed by the prophet.

This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Deputy Registrar and Coordinator, Centre for Information and Public Relations, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile.

Thomas-Onashile stated that investigations by the security agencies revealed that the deceased’s mutilated body was purportedly found buried in the compound of a popular church in the area.

The statement read, “The university management is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Ogunbode, a recent graduate of LASU. The deceased, fondly known as Horlar, was allegedly killed by a prophet in the Ojo area of Lagos State, reportedly for ritual purposes. According to the report received by the management, Ogunbode, a 28-year-old graduate of Political Science Education, had been missing since January 16.”

The Deputy Registrar while condemning what she described as a senseless act of violence, called for swift and thorough action by the relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible face justice.

“The prophet of the church has been arrested and is currently assisting the police with their investigation. The university management extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him. His untimely death is a terrible loss to the entire university community, and we share in the grief of all who are mourning his passing.

“We call for swift and thorough action by the relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible face justice and that the perpetrators of this horrific crime do not go unpunished. In the meantime, we urge our university community, especially our world-class students, to remain calm, while the authorities carry out their investigations.”

She encouraged the students to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

“The safety and security of our students remain our top priority, and we are committed to collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that our university remains a safe environment for all,” the statement added.

Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, has urged Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to remain focused and committed to be able to keep delivering legislative interventions to Nigerians.

The CSOs under the auspices of Stay Alert Human Right Awareness Initiative, gave the advice in a statement on Thursday in Abuja by its Executive Director, Lary Onah.

Onah also passed a vote of confidence on Akpabio, describing his leadership as president of the 10th senate as impactful and most gender tolerant.

He said that despite unfounded allegations of sexual harassment, which Akpabio had denied ever attempting, Nigerians and lawmakers believed in his ability to navigate the complexities of governance.

He described the allegation as a distraction designed to undermine democracy and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“We praise the senate president for his professionalism in the manner he conducted himself in the plenary during the altercation by Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over seating arrangement.

“Natasha is wrong to go against the rules of the senate over seating arrangement.

“She should apologise for her wrong conduct and withdraw her petition of sexual harassment against the most performing senate president of Nigeria.

“The accusation is only meant to distract the senate from applying sanctions on her and coerce the leadership to always do her bidding,” he said.

He urged Akpabio not to be distracted by the ”cheap blackmail” but to focus more on discharging his duties for the good of Nigerians and ultimately for the prosperity of the nation.

He said the CSOs were further mobilising for a solidarity march in support of the Senate President and the leadership of the country.

(NAN)

Nigerian singer Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, has lost his mother, Ifeoma Edith Ajibade.

The artist shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram today, March 6, alongside a touching tribute and a photo of them together.

He wrote, “Thank you, Mummy For your strength, your sacrifices, your unwavering faith. For raising us with love, discipline, and devotion to God. For teaching me confidence, entrepreneurship, forgiveness, and family.

“You were my greatest protector, my toughest critic, and truest Fan.”

“You were not perfect, but you were perfect to me. Your legacy lives on. Rest well lfeoma Edith Ajibade.”

Two persons have been confirmed dead and six seriously injured after a three-storey building collapsed in the Odoriwu estate at the Elf Bus stop area of Lagos.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) said it activated the state’s emergency response plans and response team from the Lekki and Cappa Bases after receiving distress calls concerning the incident at about 2:25 pm on Wednesday.

Olufemi Damilola Oke-Osanyintolu, the permanent secretary of LASEMA, stated in an update that the bodies of two male casualties were removed from the debris of the collapsed building.

He added that injured victims received initial medical care from the LRU pre-hospital care unit before being taken to the Marian General Hospital for further treatment.

Oke-Osanyintolu said LASEMA deployed light and heavy-duty equipment to the incident scene for the search and rescue operation.

He noted that the immediate cause of the incident is yet to be ascertained, adding that further investigations will be conducted.

According to him, other operatives of agencies at the scene of the incident for the search and rescue operation include the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the LRU Pre-Hospital Care Unit, and ITEC personnel

A federal high court in Kaduna has ordered an interim forfeiture of N1.37 billion allegedly diverted from the Kaduna state government into a private account.

The money, originally allocated for Kaduna state’s abandoned light rail project, was allegedly diverted during the administration of Nasir el-Rufai, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023.

In an ex parte motion filed on February 14, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences (ICPC) claimed the el-Rufai administration never executed the project and depriving the people of the benefits of rail transport system.

The commission accused some officials of diverting the money through Indo Kaduna MRTS JV Nig. Ltd, a joint venture entity set up in 2016 by the state government and Indian business people.

Hauwa Buhari, the presiding judge, granted the application moved by E.O. Akponimisingha, the ICPC lawyer, on February 28.

The judge ordered the interim forfeiture of the money and also directed the ICPC to publish a notice in any two national newspapers, requesting any person with interest in the property to present their claim and show cause in court why the asset should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.

The matter was adjourned to April 8, 2025, for interested persons who may want to claim the money to make their case before the court.

BACKGROUND

The Kaduna state government, under el-Rufai, entered into a joint venture agreement with Indo Kaduna MRTS JV Nig. Ltd. in October 2016 for the construction of a light rail transport system.

However, the ICPC revealed that payments for the project began before the company was officially registered.

Despite its lack of formal incorporation by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) until May 10, 2017, el-Rufai’s administration reportedly approved payments to the entity as early as December 2016.

Between December 2016 and January 2017, the then-governor was said to have authorised a total payment of N11.1 billion to the company’s account domiciled with Sterling Bank.

Out of this amount, N1.373 billion was allegedly diverted into a private account, which was later traced by the ICPC.

The 49-day reign of Mojisola Meranda as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly ended on Monday, when the lawmakers re-elected Mudashiru Obasa to lead them.

The move is not unconnected to the resolutions of the mediating panel led by Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba, former governors of Osun and Ogun states, who intervened in the leadership crisis that rocked the assembly for almost 50 days.

Over a week ago, the heavyweights in the All Progressives Congress, including the aforementioned former governors, were drafted by President Bola Tinubu to find a lasting solution to the Assembly leadership crisis which began when Obasa was removed by over 30 lawmakers on January 13, 2025.

Obasa was away in the United States when he was removed and replaced with his deputy, Meranda, a move that Obasa vehemently rejected, and even approached the court to challenge.

At the plenary on Monday, other principal officers elected under Meranda also resigned from their positions, including Deputy Speaker, Mojeed Fatai, and Chief Whip, Okanlawon Sani.

Before the development, Obasa, Meranda and all the lawmakers had met with the leadership of the party in the state, led by the state Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi.

The state Attorney General, Lawal Pedro (SAN), was also at the meeting held outside the assembly chamber, before the plenary where Meranda officially resigned.

In her resignation speech, Meranda stated that her decision was made in the interest of democracy and to prevent further crises within the Assembly.

She emphasised that leadership required selfless sacrifice and that stepping down was necessary to maintain stability.

“I wish to let every one of you know that I have made a personal sacrifice towards resolving the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly.

“I recognise the role my family has played and continues to play in entrenching democracy, good governance, and the betterment of our people.

“I will never depart from the well-established path of honour, dignity, integrity, and service as personified by my late father,” she said.

The first female speaker in the history of the Assembly added, “I took this decision carefully and with firm consideration.

“On one hand, I accepted the position of Speaker on January 13, 2025, and on the other hand, I resigned the position as it is threatening the democracy of this House.

“I am not a quitter; however, I took this bold decision in order to save this legislative institution from further unnecessary conflict and embarrassment.

“Accordingly, I have agreed to yet again make a personal sacrifice by stepping down as the Speaker of this great Assembly.”

According to Meranda, the party is supreme.

“I sincerely thank you for your understanding and support, just as we know that party decisions are supreme,” she said.

Obasa, who took a fresh oath of office as the Speaker, pledged to Lagos residents that the assembly would continue to make laws for the progress of the state.

He appreciated the intervention of Akande and Osoba in resolving the crisis.

He said, “We want to assure Lagosians that we have resolved and determined to serve their interest and protect their interest always.

“Our major responsibility is to represent them and that’s what we have been doing.

“What is happening here today shows that the Lagos State House of Assembly is capable and is a House of integrity. It is a house that has an internal mechanism to resolve issues in the interest of the institution and our party.

“Today is not the day for speech making but to celebrate my colleagues and thank them for all they have been doing. I am sure we will continue to work together in peace, love and harmony.”

Obasa thereafter adjourned the plenary indefinitely.

The PUNCH earlier reported that part of the resolutions of the Akande-led panel who met with members of the Governance Advisory Council, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the lawmakers at Marina, was for Obasa to also resign after being re-elected as Speaker.

A GAC member, Chief Muraina Taiwo, who was at the meeting and spoke with The PUNCH in February, said that “The APC leaders, including Chief Bisi Akande and Chief Olusegun Osoba, came to mediate.

“They will go back to Abuja to brief our leader (Tinubu) how they feel about everything. They are suggesting to Speaker Obasa that he should step down and the other woman (Meranda) to also step down and they will bring in another new person.

“They are thinking of submitting a few names but all will land at the table of the leader.”

Another top source in the APC in the state had also said, “Meranda will step down and Obasa will also step down. They will now pick someone else from Lagos West.

“Lagos West is the largest senatorial zone in Lagos. The lawmakers seem to have agreed, otherwise, there won’t be peace.

“Part of the understanding is that the case the man (Obasa) took to court, he will withdraw it as well.”

However, it is not certain if the resolution still subsists, or if Obasa would resign anytime soon.

The GAC member, Chief Muraina, when asked about it in a telephone interview on Monday, said it was left for Obasa to resign or not, adding that the party was, however, in support of his return to the House as Speaker.

Chief Muraina said, “The whole party is in support. You can see the resignation address of the former Speaker. She did it wholeheartedly and she abided by the decision of the party.”

When asked if Obasa would be resigning, he said, “That is his own personal decision, If he chooses to resign tomorrow, fine, if he insists on staying on the seat, it’s left to him.

“Resignation is not by force unless a directive comes from the party’s leadership. For now, I don’t see him resigning. The party has not decided that he should resign.”

Another GAC member, Anthony Adefuye, said the party had allowed peace to reign in the House.

He said the resolution of the leadership crisis was due to the intervention of many people.

“Many of us intervened. We are happy and glad that the whole thing has been settled. Let us allow peace.

“God has given us a President, let us also behave like people who have a President, and let the town be peaceful,” the GAC member said.

The APC Chairman in Lagos, Cornelius Ojelabi, commenting on the development in an interview with our correspondent, expressed satisfaction with the resolution of the House leadership crisis.

When asked about the resolution of the party that Obasa was to resign after Meranda, Cornelius said, “That (the current situation) is where the party resolved it for now. That’s where we resolved it.”

When quizzed further if Obasa would no longer be resigning, he said, “No, that’s where we resolved it. We just want peace in the House generally.

“The kind of harmonious relationship that existed among them before in the House, we want to try as much as possible to bring it back.”

In a statement released by the APC, signed by its spokesperson in the state, Seye Oladejo, the party congratulated Lagosians and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly and general members of the APC for finding an amicable solution to the rift within the House of Assembly.

Oladejo said the crux of the disagreement which had been mainly to draw the attention of the public and the party to intractable internal issues “stretched the well-tested and trusted internal conflict resolution mechanism of the party.”

He said, “As a truly democratic party, we refrained from needless interference in the affairs of the legislature whose independence we hold in high esteem.

“However, the House deferred to the party when the conflict festered and defied all suggestions for settlement.

“We want to put it on record that the members of the House officially briefed the party about the untoward development and requested wise counsel from the party just a few days ago.”

He said the party met with all the members and proffered practical solutions which were sacrificial, stabilising and in the best interest of the state.

“You may wish to note that our role remained basically advisory and could only be binding if upheld in the hallowed chamber of the House of Assembly,” he added.

Obasa suit pending

Obasa’s counsel, Chief Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), said the Lagos Speaker will be deciding on the withdrawal of the suit against the Assembly and Meranda.

Obasa had, earlier in February, dragged Meranda and the Assembly to court to challenge his removal by the lawmakers on January 13, 2025.

Obasa, in suit number ID/9047GCM/2025, filed before Justice Yetunde Pinheiro of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, is contesting the constitutionality of the sitting and proceedings during a recess, which occurred without him reconvening the House or delegating the authority to someone else.

On Friday, Justice Pinheiro fixed March 7, 2025, for the hearing of all pending applications on the matter.

When asked in a telephone interview on Monday if Obasa would discontinue the suit, following his official return as Speaker, his lawyer said, “Withdrawing the case still has to be at his instance.”

He added, “Just as you saw what transpired with respect to him coming back (to the House), he still has to formally brief us on what he wants us to do in terms of withdrawing the case. So, as of now, he has not gotten back to us.

“So maybe by tomorrow (Tuesday), we will have a meeting with him on how to proceed. Because I do not know the terms of his return, whether it was conditioned upon fulfilment of certain things or not.”

Lawmakers eulogise Meranda

Meanwhile, lawmakers have praised Meranda for heeding the directives of the APC and “letting go.”

They saluted her 49 days of leadership and wished her well in her future endeavours.

“The entire chamber is in tears. You have restored the spirit of friendship, comradeship, and loyalty to this House.

“We now have a renewed sense of belonging and an understanding that the party is supreme,” said lawmaker Temitope Adewale.

He added, “To my dear colleagues, this is not the end—this is Asiwaju’s House. Let’s not lose hope; things will change for the better.”

Another lawmaker, Tobun Abiodun, said, “You did very well, but as we know, we are politicians, and in politics, our party is supreme.

“We are proud party members, and our party has spoken. I thank the Deputy Speaker and everyone else affected. We are here to obey the party, and we are not ashamed of it. Madam Speaker, I pray for you—may God Almighty be with you.”

He added, “You have listened to the party and are willing to let go.”

The lawmaker representing Surulere, Desmond Elliot, could not control his emotion, as he asked not to speak, and almost burst into tears.

All other members commended Meranda for her unique leadership style, describing her as a dedicated and visionary lawmaker with a track record of selfless service and commitment to legislative excellence.

They expressed confidence in her ability to further strengthen the Assembly’s legislative agenda in her new role as Deputy Speaker.

Assembly security tightened

The Assembly complex was under heavy security surveillance before and after the plenary.

Operatives of the state police command, Lagos Neighbourhood Security Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Services cordoned off the Assembly premises.

Earlier in the day, there was strict screening at the assembly gate with journalists denied entry until around 1 pm.

Lawmakers and staff of the Lagos State House of Assembly wept in the full glare of those present on Monday when the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda, tendered her resignation letter to allow the previously impeached speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, to return to his position.

LEADERSHIP reports that the House had been engulfed in crisis since January 13 when Hon Mudashiru Obasa was removed as Speaker.

Most of the lawmakers and Assembly staff who spoke without inhibition applauded Meranda over how she led the House within the 49 days she was the speaker of the House, saying reversing the situation was a return to a reign of tyranny in the Assembly.

Before her resignation, Meranda who was the first female speaker of the state, and Obasa had earlier held a meeting with lawmakers, with Lawal Pedro, the Lagos State attorney general, and Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, in their midst.

Meranda was reappointed as the Deputy Speaker, while Mudashiru Obasa took the oath of Office as the Speaker. Also, Hon Sanni Okanlawon resigned as the Deputy Chief Whip, while Hon Setonji David resigned as the Chief Whip.

In the meantime, Hon. David was reelected as the Deputy Chief after being nominated by Hon. Kehinde Joseph. Hon. Richard Kasunmu returned as the Deputy Majority Leader, while Hon. Adewale Temitope retained the position.

Similarly, Deputy Speaker Mojeed Fatai resigned and was elected as the Chief Whip. Meranda returned as the new deputy speaker.

With this development, Meranda served as the Speaker for 49 days before bowing to the All Progressives Congress (APC) party supremacy principle.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the development was decided at the strategic meeting of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) with members of the House on Sunday.

It was further gathered that Hon Obasa had to beg for his return after the marathon meeting and promised to turn a new leaf.

The lawmakers took turns during the plenary to eulogise Meranda’s good qualities.

Moving the motion under matters of public importance, Hon Aro Moshood said, “Today, I stand in the House with a deep respect for leadership, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Meranda. I want to appreciate your leadership style since you have started piloting the affairs of the House.

“Madam Speaker, under your leadership, we have witnessed a new focus, presiding with passion. You have been a source of inspiration to us. Thank you. May God bless you.”

Speaking at the Chamber, Meranda said, “My decision to resign was a personal sacrifice with the primary aim of entrenching democracy.

“I hereby give notice of my decision to resign effective March 3, 2025, after carefully considering the recent turmoil and the need to protect democracy.

“I also commend my colleagues, management and staff for their solidarity during my tenure of office. I leave this position as Speaker and shall continue to serve my constituency in Apapa Constituency 1.

“I am not a quitter. I decided to safeguard the institution to save the institution from conflict and embarrassment. The party is supreme, and therefore, I take a bow and step down as Speaker”.

In his remarks, the visibly humbled re-elected Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa commended the party leaders for making sacrifices to resolve the issues in the legislative arm of the state amicably.

He commended the former governors of Osun State, Bisi Akande and Olusegun Osoba, the GAC leaders, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat for their roles in resolving the crisis.

Obasa added that the House is capable, mature, and has internal mechanisms to resolve issues.

Sources in the Assembly reliably informed LEADERSHIP that the House adjourned indefinitely to allow the scars of the turmoil to heal completely, saying the current peaceful resolution was merely cosmetic.

The source said, “The initial plan was for Meranda to resign today and Obasa to resign on Wednesday, tomorrow. Then, another lawmaker from Lagos West would be elected to be the new speaker. Anything short of this arrangement is a waste of the party leaders’ efforts. One person cannot be superior to the 35 other lawmakers. It will not be business as usual again in this Assembly.”

The Ondo State governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has presented Toyota Hilux vehicles to the newly inaugurated local government chairmen of the 18 local government areas of the State.

Aiyedatiwa, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening grassroots governance and improving service delivery at the local level, urged the local government council chairmen to remain accountable, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the people at the grassroot.

The official presentation ceremony of the vehicles held on Monday at the Government House in Akure, the state capital.

Speaking at the presentation of the vehicles, Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that the provision of the sport utility vehicles (SUVs) was to facilitate their movement and improve their efficiency in the discharge of their duties.

He emphasised that local government administration plays a critical role in governance, and his administration remained committed to ensuring that the chairmen have the necessary tools to function effectively.

“This administration prioritises grassroots development, and we are determined to support the local government system in every way possible. Personally, I believe in local government autonomy and I’ll wholeheartedly support it. These vehicles are not for luxury but to aid you in reaching every corner of your local government to serve the people better,” the governor said.

Aiyedatiwa further hinted that the success of their administration at the local level will contribute significantly to the overall development of Ondo State.

In his remarks, the chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ondo State chapter, who is also the chairman of Akure South Local Government Council, Gbenga Fasua, expressed the chairmen’s commitment to good governance, grassroots development, and the implementation of people-oriented policies.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Comrade Bola Taiwo; chairman, Ondo SUBEB, Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan, among other top government functionaries

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A 21-year-old 300-level student at Federal University Gusau (FUGUS) in Zamfara State, Zarah Abubakar Shehu, has died in custody of her abductors despite heavy ransom already paid for her release.

Zarah, the only daughter of her mother, was kidnapped on Sunday, November 3, 2024, after heavily armed bandits stormed the Damba area of Gusau, where she lived with her family. 

Counter-terrorism expert, Zagazola Makama, confirmed that Zarah was kidnapped alongside her two siblings and taken deep into the forests of Zamfara State.

Soon after the abduction, the kidnappers reached out to their family, demanding a ransom of ₦35 million for the safe release of Zarah and her siblings.

However, like many families caught in such terrifying situations, they struggled to raise such an enormous sum.

After several weeks of desperation, negotiations, and financial mobilisation, the family managed to gather ₦10 million.

The kidnappers agreed to accept the sum but also insisted that the family also provide four motorcycles and four cartons of engine oil before releasing the captives.

Zarah and her siblings spent a harrowing four months in captivity, enduring unimaginable hardship.

Once all the demanded items had been gathered, the kidnappers’ leader was informed.

The kingpin instructed his men to check on the captives, only to be told that one of them, Zarah, had already died two days earlier and had been buried.