Abducted Ondo monarch regains freedom after payment ransom

• We’re not aware of ransome payment, say Police

Following seven days of ordeal in kidnappers’ den, the monarch of Oso community in Ajowa- Akoko, Akoko North-West Local Council of Ondo State, Oba Clement Jimoh Olukotun has been freed by his abductors.

The Guardian learnt that the 66-year-old traditional ruler, who was kidnapped from his palace last week, was left off the hook after payment of N10 million ransom by his family.
  
According to a palace source, Oba Olukotun, who was freed on Wednesday night is going through medical observation in an undisclosed hospital to ascertain his state of health.
The monarch was whisked away when gunmen invaded his palace amid sporadic gunshots and forced their way into his bedroom. The development had heightened tension in the ancient town and the entire Akokoland.

After four days in captivity, the abductors made contact with the monarch’s family and demanded N100 million ransom to free him.
With a series of negotiation, the kidnappers were said to have reduced their demand and pegged it at N10 million.
A palace source disclosed that after the payment of the ransom, Oba Olukotun, was dropped off between Kabba and Lokoja, in Kogi State at about 10:00p.m. on Wednesday.

“Kabiyesi has been released. He was released at about 10:00p.m. on Wednesday. That was the exact time the family was contacted all the way from Kogi State, where he was dropped between Kabba and Lokoja.

“The abductors collected N10 million as ransom, being money raised by government, colleague monarchs, chiefs of our town and our successful children who are based abroad.

“Our Kabiyesi is in the hospital in Lokoja, where he is being treated, because he became weary and needed medical treatment to regain strength.
“He will soon reunite with the family here in Oso-Ajowa by the grace of God,” the source stated.
Confirming the development,  Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State,  Funmilayo Omisanya, said she was unaware if ransom was paid to the abductors before releasing the monarch.