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Gunmen Demand N200 Million Ransom for Abducted Medical Doctor, Brother in Edo
Gunmen have demanded a ransom of ₦200 million for the release of two brothers, Ibrahim Abu, a medical doctor, and his sibling, Tahir Abu, who were abducted in Auchi, Edo State.
The brothers were kidnapped on Friday, January 2, along City Pride Road in the Igbira Camp area of Auchi. Their father, Momoh Tahir, confirmed on Sunday that the abductors had established contact with the family and initially demanded ₦200 million as ransom.
According to him, negotiations with the kidnappers led to a reduction of the ransom to ₦100 million, with the family hoping further discussions would result in an additional concession. He described the ordeal as traumatic and appealed for prayers for the safe return of his children.
“They have been communicating with us since the abduction. They first demanded ₦200 million, but after negotiations, it was reduced to ₦100 million. We are still hopeful that further talks will bring the amount down,” Tahir said. “It has been a very difficult time for the family, and our prayer is that they return home safely.”
The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying search-and-rescue operations commenced immediately after the abduction was reported. The Police Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, said the command received a distress call at about 8:30 p.m. on January 2.
She explained that the Divisional Police Officer in Auchi was promptly deployed to the scene and mobilised operatives, working in collaboration with vigilantes, forest guards, and community safety volunteers familiar with the terrain.
“Aggressive search and rescue operations within the forest have been ongoing since the report was received,” Ikoedem said, assuring the family and the public that the command would leave no stone unturned to ensure the safe rescue of the victims. She added that further updates would be provided as the operation progresses.
Ibrahim Abu is currently undergoing his housemanship at the Edo State Teaching Hospital in Auchi. A family source disclosed that he was abducted in front of his residence while attempting to open his gate after returning from work.
“This is deeply disturbing and unacceptable,” the source said. “A young doctor whose only offence is serving humanity has now become another victim of insecurity. We call on security agencies, the Edo State Government, and all relevant authorities to act swiftly to secure his safe and unconditional release.”
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.