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TERRORISTS HOLD HIGH COURT JUDGE’S FAMILY FOR RANSOM, DEMAND $500,000

A devastating kidnapping saga is unfolding in Borno State, where Boko Haram terrorists are holding the family of Justice Haruna Mshelia, a High Court judge, for ransom. The terrorists are demanding a staggering $500,000 in exchange for the safe release of the judge’s wife, police orderly, and driver. The family’s ordeal began on June 24, 2024, when Justice Mshelia was abducted along with his wife, Binta Othman, a magistrate, and their driver. Although the judge was released on September 8 after a substantial ransom was paid, his family members remain in captivity. According to sources, the family managed to scrape together almost $50,000, but the terrorists rejected the offer, insisting on the full $500,000. The situation has left the family in a state of desperation, with no clear end in sight. The Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, declined to comment on the matter, requesting more time to consult with relevant authorities. Meanwhile, efforts to reach Justice Haruna Mshelia for comment have been unsuccessful.

POLICE ARREST 2 MORE SUSPECTS CONNECTED TO MRS ODUMOSU’S KIDNAP

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that operatives of the Lagos State CP Special Squad have arrested two suspects in connection with the kidnap of Mrs. Odumosu, the wife of Retired Assistant-Inspector General, AIG Hakeem Odumosu. The suspects, Agbojule Smart, 27, and Keleke Michael, 30, were arrested while on their way out of Lagos State. Adejobi said the suspects confessed to their crime, revealing they belonged to a gang of four, with two members previously neutralized. The police recovered N2.25 million, part of the requested ransom, two locally fabricated rifles, and 11 live cartridges from the suspects. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the police operatives for their gallantry in apprehending the suspects. Adejobi quoted the IGP as encouraging the operatives to maintain their high standard of competence in the fight against crime. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to public safety and security, stating it remains steadfast in reducing crime to an absolute minimum and fostering peace across the nation. Adejobi added that the police will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of all citizens.

POLICE RESCUE WIFE OF FORMER LAGOS CP, KILL KIDNAPPERS AND RECOVER RANSOM

The Nigerian Police have successfully rescued the kidnapped wife of former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu. The police also killed the kidnappers and recovered the ransom paid for her release. According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has commended the police operatives and the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, for their bravery and professionalism in carrying out the rescue operation. “We are committed to safeguarding Nigerian citizens and our dear country,” Adejobi quoted the IGP as saying. The wife of the former CP was kidnapped on January 16, 2025, at her residence in Arepo, Ogun State, by four masked gunmen. The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N10 million, which was later recovered by the police. The police operatives, with the support of the Force Headquarters’ technical intelligence platforms, tracked down the kidnappers to a creek in the swampy area of Ikorodu, where they engaged them in a shootout. Two of the kidnappers were killed, while four others escaped.