Bandits launch Kwara monarch after N12m ransom – Household

The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, who was kidnapped by gunmen in Ifelodun Native Authorities Space of Kwara State, has regained his freedom after his household reportedly paid a further N12 million ransom to safe his launch.

The monarch, who had spent about one month in captivity, was freed on Wednesday evening, two weeks after his son, Olaolu, was launched following an preliminary N20 million ransom cost.

A household supply, talking on situation of anonymity because of safety issues, confirmed the event and revealed that extended negotiations have been key to securing the monarch’s launch.

“It’s true the monarch was launched on Wednesday evening after we paid N12 million and two energy banks, along with the sooner N20 million paid earlier than,” the supply mentioned.

“They dropped him at a neighborhood herders’ settlement round Oreke in Ifelodun Native Authorities Space. From there, he was taken to the army base in Oreke, the place they contacted us.”

The supply additionally talked about that the monarch was receiving medical consideration at an undisclosed hospital because of bodily and psychological trauma suffered throughout his captivity. “He’s in excessive spirits now. The household and the complete Afin group are grateful to everybody who ensured his protected launch,” the supply added.

The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the discharge of the monarch however denied data of any ransom cost. S

P Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police spokesperson, mentioned that the monarch had been reunited along with his household following intensified joint safety operations within the space.

“You might be conscious that their ongoing joint safety operations on that axis and the bandits are fleeing. We’re not conscious of any ransom cost. The CP Adekimi Ojo has all the time frowned at ransom cost and all the time suggested the sufferer’s household to supply safety businesses with credible info,” she mentioned.

This newspaper had earlier reported that the Oniwo of Afin, also referred to as the Oniwo I of Afin group within the Ile-Ire District, was kidnapped on New Yr’s Eve throughout a violent assault on his palace.

In response to studies, about eight gunmen stormed the palace round 8 pm, firing sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his spouse earlier than abducting Oba Olanipekun and certainly one of his sons, Olaolu, who’s a member of the Nationwide Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Two weeks after the kidnapping, Olaolu was launched following the cost of the N20 million ransom after extended negotiations with the abductors.