Kidnapped Kwara monarch dies in captivity after ₦18m ransom payment

Oba Salman Aweda, the traditional ruler of Olayinka community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State has reportedly died while in the custody of his abductors despite the payment of ₦18 million ransom.

The monarch was abducted on April 17, 2026, when armed men invaded his palace and whisked him away, demanding ₦21 million for his release.

According to community sources, the family and residents were able to raise and pay ₦18 million, in addition to two new motorcycles and 100 litres of petrol requested by the kidnappers. However, the monarch was never released.

It was gathered that hopes of his survival faded when the abductors later demanded additional money and refused to present him, raising suspicion among community members that he may have died in captivity.

His death was later confirmed in a voice message circulated by a member of a community negotiation committee involved in efforts to secure his release.

In the audio message, the committee member said repeated interventions by family members, religious leaders and community stakeholders failed to secure the monarch’s freedom.

He said the development was seen as the will of God and urged residents to accept the loss with faith.

“All the efforts that have been made… have now led to this moment. The will of God has happened. Oba Salman of Olayinka has died and returned to his Creator,” he said.

The committee member also called for calm in the community, stressing that both Muslims and Christians should accept the outcome as divine decree.

He further disclosed that plans were underway for Islamic funeral prayers, despite the fact that the monarch’s remains had not yet been recovered.

“As required by Islamic rites, Janazah prayers will still be conducted even though the body has not been found,” he added.

The incident has deepened concerns over rising insecurity and kidnappings across parts of Kwara State and other regions, where ransom payments have increasingly failed to guarantee the safe return of victims.