How kidnapped Lagos monarch regained freedom - Son

chika ebuzor

August 8, 2016 7:54 AM

‎Oseni said the family had decided not to disclose the amount paid as ransom but confirmed that the family paid to secure the release of the kidnapped royal father.

Oba Goriola Oseni.

The family of the abducted Lagos monarch, Chief Yushau Oseni, has said that an undisclosed amount was paid as ransom before his release on Saturday night.

The monarch’s son, Prince Saheed Oseni, who confirmed the release, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the first class traditional ruler returned to his palace ``hale and hearty’’.

"We paid an undisclosed amount for his ransom which the family sourced without the involvement of the Lagos State Government‎,’’ he said.

‎Oseni, the Chairman, Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), Lagos State University (LASU) Chapter, said the traditional ruler returned through the waterways around Iba expressway.

According to my father, the kidnappers had put him in a canoe and asked him to paddle it to the other side of the river‎, which he did.

"On getting to the other side of the road and confirming ‎the location where he was from passerby, he discovered that he is on Iba expressway and that was how he found his way home,’’ he said.

The prince said the family was grateful to God for the release and safe return of the traditional ruler.

Oseni said the family also thanked the Police and other security agencies for their efforts which led to his release.

He added that the king was in good health condition since his return home.

NAN reports that the74-year -old monarch, who celebrated his 40 years on the throne on Nov. 22, 2015, was abducted in his palace at Iba ‎on July 16 at about 8 p.m.

Four days after the abduction, the kidnappers demanded for N500 million, which the family said they could not raise.

chika ebuzor