By Retired Customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, who was abducted by suspected bandits in Ora, Osun State, has regained his freedom after the payment of an undisclosed ransom.
His release was confirmed by the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines and Asiwaju of Ora-Igbomina, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday.
A reliable source familiar with the rescue efforts disclosed that Owolabi was released late on Monday at Oro Ago, a community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
According to the source, Owolabi was handed over by his captors in a forested area around Oro Ago after a ransom running into millions of naira was paid to secure his freedom.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that on Monday, December 15, armed men invaded Ora, a community located along the Osun–Kwara State boundary, and abducted Owolabi.
Speaking with The PUNCH after the incident, the victim’s wife, Titilayo, disclosed that her husband was kidnapped in front of their residence along Akisa Road at a few minutes to 7:00 p.m.
She further recounted during an interview with our correspondent that Owolabi had just visited her shop shortly after the close of business for the day when the incident occurred.
