By All victims of the recent kidnapping incident involving members of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Ogun State Chapter, at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan, have regained their freedom after spending three days in captivity.
It would be recalled that on Wednesday, March 18, AfrikTimes reported that four members of the Ogun State chapter of CFAN were abducted at CRIN by about seven unidentified gunmen while returning from the nursery section of the institute during a familiarisation visit. Their vehicle was attacked during the return journey.
AfrikTimes further reported that two of the victims were rescued within hours by the Oyo State Police Command. However, in a press release dated March 19, the National President of CFAN, Comrade Adeola Adegoke, stated that five members of the association were abducted, noting that two of them: Apostle William Solomon and Rufus Megbowon, were released “on health grounds, considered a divine arrangement.”
In another press release issued on Saturday, March 21, and also signed by Comrade Adegoke, it was disclosed that the remaining three victims: Ayebusiwa Toyin, Ayebusiwa Tayo, and Omosoluyi Omoseyimi, were released in the early hours of the day following the payment of ransom by their family members. The total amount paid remain undisclosed.
“Between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., the remaining victims were released following ransom payment by their family members at an undisclosed location in Ogun State,” the statement noted.
Providing further details, the CFAN President explained that during the process of their release, a sudden gunshot caused confusion among the victims, leading to a temporary loss of coordination and direction.
“However, during the process of their release by the kidnappers at another location in Ibadan, there was a sudden gunshot from an unidentified person, which caused the victims to lose coordination and awareness of their immediate environment.
“Due to this development, the duo of Ayebusiwa Toyin and Ayebusiwa Tayo were assisted by operatives of the Amotekun Corps stationed at a nearby quarry site, while Omosoluyi Omoseyimi was able to safely reach out to the Association at about 8:30 a.m. today.
“Therefore, we are delighted to inform the general public, particularly cocoa stakeholders, that all three remaining victims—Ayebusiwa Toyin, Ayebusiwa Tayo, and Omosoluyi Omoseyimi have now been safely released as of today, March 21, 2026,” he added.
The association expressed appreciation to members of the public for their support and extended gratitude to the management of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, the Oyo State Police Command, the Department of State Services (DSS), Oyo State Command, the Amotekun Corps, Oyo State Command, local hunters, and cocoa stakeholders both within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
The association also called on the government to strengthen and reinforce security measures to curb the growing wave of criminal activities within the state.
“Furthermore, we reiterate our call on the government at all levels, particularly the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, to strengthen and reinforce security measures in order to curb the illicit activities occurring within and around its environment,” Comrade Adegoke stated.
Also confirming the release, the Oyo State Police Command Spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that the victims have been released and have reunited with their families.
He further noted that arrested suspects are in custody and investigation would prove whether they’re responsible
“No additional suspects were arrested and those arrested are still in custody, we have debriefed the victims and from their investigation will show if the arrested suspects are culpable or not,” he said.
