Kidnapped Lagos Oba Freed

Oba Goriola Oseni

Abducted Lagos monarch, Oniba of Iba community, Oba Goriola Oseni, has been released by his captors.

The 74-year-old was released on Saturday after about three weeks in captivity.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State command, Dolapo Badmos, confirmed this in a text message sent to our correspondent on Saturday night.

“Yes, he has been rescued this evening (Saturday),” the SMS said.

One of the monarch’s sons, Kabiru Oseni, confirmed the king’s release, adding that Oba Goriola came through a jetty in the area.

He said, “He came in around 7pm. He just walked into the community. He came in through a jetty.”

The son declined to give further details.

A source told our correspondent that an undisclosed ransom was paid for the monarch’s release.

He said, “The Oba did not come in like he was rescued by the police. His coming back was without fanfare. He just walked into the community. It is in doubt that the police were involved in the rescue.

“The kidnappers are believed to have let go of him of their own will after the payment of a ransom. We do not yet know the amount paid.”

Oseni was kidnapped on July 16 by some gunmen who had demaded N500m for his release.