The abducted traditional ruler of Bukpe community in Kwali Area Council of Abuja, His Royal Highness (HRH) Alhaji Hassan Shamidozhi, has regained freedom after 18 days in captivity.
Daily Trust had reported how kidnappers invaded the monarch’s palace in Bukpe community and abducted him alongside two residents of the community.
- TIMELINE: How bandits carried out 16 deadly attacks in two weeks
- FACT CHECK: Did ‘bandits’ in viral video block Abuja-Kaduna Expressway?
The other residents identified as Ahmad Joel and his daughter, Precious Joel, have also been released. They were said to have paid a ransom of N2. 5 million.
The monarch, who spoke exclusively to Daily Trust at his palace on Sunday, said his abductors released him alongside two of his subjects around 6:12 pm on Saturday.
He disclosed that his family members, relatives and friends contributed to raise N4 million after intense negotiations.
He said immediately after the ransom was paid, the kidnappers led him and two of his subjects to a forest near Zokutu village, where they trekked for hours before appearing along Abaji-Toto road, where they boarded a vehicle home.
The spokesperson of the FCT police command, DSP Adeh Josephine, was yet to reply to text message sent to her to confirm the release of the monarch.