Kidnapped lawyer, sister released in Edo

Kidnapped lawyer, sister released in Edo

A newly called-to-bar lawyer, Peace Onyesom Udoka, and her sister, Gift Onyesom, who were kidnapped while returning from the Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja, have been released and are currently at a village near Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area, Edo State.

This was disclosed by activist Harrison Gwamnishu in his Facebook post on Tuesday.

The sisters were abducted along the Abuja-Benin route, around Lokoja, Kogi State, on September 26, 2025.

The highway is known for frequent kidnappings.

Udoka, a graduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus, was last in contact with her family around 12 p.m. on Friday.

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The kidnappers had demanded a N40m ransom for their release, later reducing it to N20m per person.

The release of the sisters comes after intense pressure and appeals from their family, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and activists like Harrison Gwamnishu, who had called on the Edo State Governor and security agencies to intervene.

Also, her release coincides with her birthday, according to the activist.

“FREEDOM ON HER BIRTHDAY. Peace Onyesom Udoka and Gift Onyesom kidnapped while returning from Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja have just been released to us at a village near Okpella.
It’s a tough journey. Details later today or tomorrow morning,” he posted.

Kidnapped lawyer, sister released in Edo