Jimoh Ibrahim’s mother regains freedom

*Two suspects arrested

By  Abdulwahab Abdulahl

LAGOS – The kidnapped 70-year-old mother of the business mogul and lawyer, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, Mrs Omofenwa Jimoh, was yesterday released by his abductors, who dumped her at Gana Market in Sapele, Delta State.

A terse message from Global Fleet Group, made available to Vanguard in Lagos, said Madam Jimoh who was kidnapped at gunpoint at her son’s residence in Igbotako, Ondo State at about 8.00 pm, a week ago was released by the kidnappers at about 11.30 p.m on Sunday. The abductors gave her the son’s telephone number to reach out to her family members.

The statement which quoted Mr Ibrahim on efforts by the family to secure the woman’s release, was, however, silent on how much was paid to secure her freedom.

A statement, quoting Ibrahim said: “The kidnappers made their first call to his phone via a text message stated: ‘Your Mama,’ on Wednesday at about 4.00p.m. It was on Thursday that they asked for immediate payment of N370 million. I then asked them how they would carry the money. They cut the conversation and on Friday, they came forward with some US dollars demand. They asked us to bring it to Sagamu. When we got there, they said we should move to Okada Junction in Edo State. I went out of my car so they could see me. From Okada Junction, they asked us to go to Sapele and from there to Ughelli Junction.

“They released Mama at about 11.30 p.m. on Sunday and gave my phone number to her and asked her to give it to anyone that could call me. We got the call at about 11.48 p.m. on Sunday and we proceeded to Sapele, Gana Market and got Mama at 4.45 a.m on Monday morning.”

He, however, refused to mention what he offered the kidnappers, but said:  “Mama is priceless,” adding that her recovery involved “a lot of scientific and physical risks put in place to get Mama but God in His absolute mercy brought her back safely.”

He expressed his appreciation to the police, especially, the Police Command in Akure and the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant individuals and agencies who supported the family in search of the woman while she was kidnapped.

It was also disclosed that two suspects have been arrested in connection with Mrs Jimoh’s kidnap.