LAGOS, AUGUST 7, 2016 – The Oniba of Iba land, Oba Goriola Oseni, who was abducted by gunmen three weeks ago has regained freedom.
The 74-year-old monarch was released on Saturday night, Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Dolapo Badmos has confirmed.
Badmos confirmed this in a text message to Punch on Saturday night.
“Yes, he has been rescued this evening (Saturday),” the SMS said.
One of the monarch’s sons, Kabiru Oseni, confirmed the king’s release, adding that Oba Goriola came through a jetty in the area.
He said, “He came in around 7pm. He just walked into the community. He came in through a jetty.”
The son declined to give further details.
A source told our correspondent that an undisclosed ransom was paid for the monarch’s release.
He said, “The Oba did not come in like he was rescued by the police. His coming back was without fanfare. He just walked into the community. It is in doubt that the police were involved in the rescue.
“The kidnappers are believed to have let go of him of their own will after the payment of a ransom. We do not yet know the amount paid.”
Oseni was kidnapped on July 16 by some gunmen who had demaded N500m for his release.
