A former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Musa Moruf, has been released by his abductors after several days in captivity, following the reported payment of a ₦50 million ransom.
In a report on Saturday, Tribune Online quoted a source as saying that Moruf regained his freedom late Friday night after the kidnappers contacted the family and negotiated the ransom.
According to the source, the demanded amount was raised and paid, after which the former lawmaker was released unharmed.
Moruf, who served in the sixth legislature of the state assembly, was abducted on Wednesday evening while observing prayers at a mosque in Ibiade, within Ogun Waterside Local Government Area. He was reportedly whisked away around 7:00 p.m. and taken into a forest by the assailants.
Confirming his release to Tribune Online, the source said, “Hon. Moruf Musa has been released to us. His abductors demanded ₦50 million as ransom. The money was raised and paid, and it was only after that they freed him. He is back home safe and sound.”
The source further alleged that the kidnappers operate as part of a coordinated network, adding that the ransom was delivered to a location in one of the North-Central states. He appealed for urgent reinforcement of security in Ogun Waterside, citing the area’s terrain and vulnerability to criminal activities.
“We need a joint security presence in Ogun Waterside. The peculiarity of our area requires special attention to protect lives and property. More security personnel should be deployed to safeguard residents,” the source said.
The Ogun State Police Command is yet not issued an official statement on the release.