17-Year-Old Post-UTME Candidate Freed After N14m Ransom

A 17-year-old student, Emmanuel Ofili, who was kidnapped in Obiaruku, Delta State, while traveling for his Post-UTME examination, has been released.

Harrison Gwamnishu, a human rights activist, reported that Ofili was taken captive alongside two other victims, and a ransom of N14m was paid to secure their freedom.

“17-year-old Emmanuel Ofili, who traveled from Lagos State to Obiaruku, Delta State for his Post-UTME examination, has been released this evening after being kidnapped.

“He was kidnapped alongside two other victims who also paid to regain their freedom. A total of 14 million naira was handed over to these criminals,” he posted.

Gwamnishu disclosed that the victim’s family had to sell their belongings and borrow money to raise the funds.

“Sadly, Emmanuel Ofili’s poor family had to sell their belongings and borrow money to secure his freedom,” he said.

In a Facebook post, Gwamnishu warned that armed kidnappers are becoming increasingly active in Delta North, urging residents to be vigilant.

“Delta North, brace up — these Armed Kidnappers are crawling back,” he warned.

When contacted, the Delta State Police Command spokesperson, Bright Edafe, told THE WHISTLER that the police were not aware of the kidnapping incident.

“Not to my knowledge that any student was kidnapped…not sure it was reported,” Edafe told our correspondent.