Abducted ex-Customs officer regains freedom

Retired Nigeria Customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, who was abducted by suspected bandits in Ora, Osun State, has regained his freedom following the payment of an undisclosed ransom.

The release was confirmed by Dr. Yemi Farounbi, ex-Nigeria Ambassador to the Philippines and Asiwaju of Ora-Igbomina, in a statement obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday.

A reliable source involved in the negotiations said Owolabi was freed late on Monday around Oro Ago, a community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. “He was freed by his abductors late on Monday. We paid for his release. We paid millions to get him out,” the source said.

Owolabi was abducted on December 15, 2025, when gunmen attacked Ora, a community on the Osun/Kwara boundary. His wife, Titilayo Owolabi, recounted that the retired officer was taken in front of their home along Akisa Road shortly before 7 pm. She said she heard gunshots while preparing dinner and later discovered her husband had been abducted.

During the attack, the gunmen also shot dead a village chief, identified only as Dennis, who was returning from the farm. Initially, the abductors demanded a ransom of N200 million, which was later negotiated down.

Farounbi commended Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, the Police, the Military, and other security and intelligence agencies for their efforts in securing Owolabi’s release. He also praised local traditional rulers, including the Orangun and Asaoni, as well as community members, for their prayers, solidarity, and support during the ordeal.