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The Oniwo of Afin, Oba Simeon Olanipekun, who was kidnapped by gunmen in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, has regained his freedom after his family reportedly paid an additional N12 million ransom to secure his release.
The monarch, who had spent about one month in captivity, was freed on Wednesday night, two weeks after his son, Olaolu, was released following an initial N20 million ransom payment.
A family source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, confirmed the development and revealed that prolonged negotiations were key to securing the monarch’s release.
“It is true the monarch was released on Wednesday night after we paid N12 million and two power banks, in addition to the earlier N20 million paid before,” the source said.
“They dropped him at a local herders’ settlement around Oreke in Ifelodun Local Government Area. From there, he was taken to the military base in Oreke, where they contacted us.”
The source also mentioned that the monarch was receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital due to physical and psychological trauma suffered during his captivity. “He is in high spirits now. The family and the entire Afin community are grateful to everyone who ensured his safe release,” the source added.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the release of the monarch but denied knowledge of any ransom payment. S
P Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police spokesperson, said that the monarch had been reunited with his family following intensified joint security operations in the area.
“You are aware that their ongoing joint security operations on that axis and the bandits are fleeing. We are not aware of any ransom payment. The CP Adekimi Ojo has always frowned at ransom payment and always advised the victim’s family to provide security agencies with credible information,” she said.
This newspaper had earlier reported that the Oniwo of Afin, also known as the Oniwo I of Afin community in the Ile-Ire District, was abducted on New Year’s Eve during a violent attack on his palace.
According to reports, about eight gunmen stormed the palace around 8 pm, firing sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his wife before abducting Oba Olanipekun and one of his sons, Olaolu, who is a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Two weeks after the abduction, Olaolu was released following the payment of the N20 million ransom after prolonged negotiations with the kidnappers.
