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Kidnappers Demand ₦450m Ransom for Kwara Monarch, Son, Other Abductees

Published

3 weeks ago

January 3, 2026

HRH Oba Simeon Olaonipekun

Kidnappers Demand ₦450m Ransom for Kwara Monarch, Son, Other Abductees

Kidnappers have demanded a total of ₦450 million ransom for the release of a Kwara traditional ruler, his son, and other abducted residents of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The abductors are reportedly asking for ₦150 million to free the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, and his son, Olaolu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, while an additional ₦300 million has been demanded for the release of eight other victims abducted in Adanla-Irese, a suburb of Igbaja.

A family source close to the monarch, who spoke on condition of anonymity on Friday, confirmed that the kidnappers made contact earlier in the day.

“The kidnappers contacted the family this afternoon and told us to bring ₦150 million to secure the release of Kabiesi and his son,” the source said.

The source lamented the emotional trauma the family has endured since the abduction, which occurred on New Year’s Eve.

“We entered the new year with sorrow and tears. We are appealing to the Kwara State Government and security agencies to come to our aid because we don’t know what to do,” he added.

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The Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network also confirmed the ransom demands. Its coordinator, Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, said the abductors had contacted the victims’ families with specific financial demands.

“Yes, it is true. The bandits demanded ₦150 million for the monarch and his son, while ₦300 million was earlier demanded for the release of the Adanla abductees,” he said.

According to reports, the kidnappers struck on December 31, 2025, when armed men invaded the Aafin community in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun LGA, storming the monarch’s palace at about 8 pm.

A family source disclosed that about eight armed men attacked the palace, firing gunshots and demanding to see the monarch and his wife.

“When they noticed we were locking doors and switching off lights, they started shooting. They broke the door with their guns and forced their way in,” the source said.

During the attack, the monarch’s wife, Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm and later rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.

The source further revealed that the kidnappers abducted the monarch and his son after overpowering the community vigilante group, which was grossly outnumbered.

“Only two vigilante members were on duty, and they could not match the firepower of the attackers,” he said.

Kidnappers Demand ₦450m Ransom for Kwara Monarch, Son, Other Abductees

Related Topics:kidnappers Kwara monarch ransom

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EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

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1 hour ago

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EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Sarumi Samusudeen Babafemi, an associate of social media personality Ismaila Mustapha (Mompha), alongside three corporate entities, over an alleged ₦206 million fraud before the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja.

Babafemi — Managing Director and CEO of 606 Autos Limited, 606 Music Limited, and Splash Off Entertainment Limited — faces five counts of conspiracy, concealment, and transfer of proceeds of crime, allegedly committed between 2013 and 2018. The EFCC claims the offences involved large sums, including ₦37.6 million and ₦93 million transferred to third parties, with knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts.

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When the charges were read, Babafemi pleaded not guilty. His defence lawyer, SAN Kunle Adegoke, filed a bail application, which the court granted, ordering that Babafemi be released to his counsel upon signing an affidavit of undertaking to appear in court. The trial is now scheduled to commence on March 24, 2026.

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EFCC Arraigns Mompha’s Associate Over Alleged ₦206m Fraud

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Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

Published

2 hours ago

January 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed that worshippers were abducted during attacks on churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, after initially denying the reports. The reversal comes as security agencies deploy tactical units to rescue the victims and secure the area.

Eyewitnesses and local sources say armed gunmen stormed multiple churches, including ECWA and Cherubim and Seraphim, during Sunday services, seizing dozens of worshippers. Community leaders report that over 170 people may have been abducted, with some survivors managing to escape.

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other local bodies have condemned the attacks and called for an urgent and thorough rescue operation. Authorities say they are intensifying efforts to locate and safely recover the victims, amid growing national concern over mass kidnappings in northern Nigeria.

The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Kaduna State and other northern and central regions, where armed gangs and kidnappers frequently target vulnerable communities, often for ransom or political leverage. Families of the abducted worshippers continue to appeal for swift action as the rescue operations proceed.

Police U-Turn: Worshippers Abducted in Kaduna, Security Forces Deployed

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Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria

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Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu

Presidency Accuses IPOB of Spreading False Christian Genocide Claims in Nigeria

The Presidency of Nigeria has accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of deliberately spreading false claims of a Christian genocide, saying the narrative is being amplified to mislead international opinion and influence foreign policy. Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, described the reports as propaganda lacking verification and stressed that they do not reflect the reality of Nigeria’s security situation.

Bwala’s remarks follow widespread reports linking the so-called genocide narrative to statements from IPOB and affiliated actors, which have circulated on social media and attracted attention from international media and some foreign lawmakers. According to the Presidency, these claims oversimplify Nigeria’s complex security challenges, which include terrorism, banditry, and communal violence, rather than targeted religious persecution.

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The controversy has drawn U.S. congressional attention, with some lawmakers reportedly considering diplomatic responses. In response, the Nigerian Government has engaged U.S.-based lobbyists to highlight its efforts in protecting all citizens, regardless of faith, and to correct misleading narratives surrounding violence in the country.

Religious and civic leaders in Nigeria remain divided. While some dismiss the genocide claims as exaggerated and potentially divisive, others acknowledge violence against Christians but caution that framing it as genocide misrepresents the broader security context. Analysts warn that the debate over religious persecution and misinformation has significant implications for national unity, international perception, and Nigeria’s foreign relations.