Nigeria’s largest telecoms network, MTN, has confirmed to HumanIPO the release of a staff member abducted in Lagos, though it refused to confirm or deny whether or not it had paid the demanded ransom.
HumanIPO reported on Tuesday Yemi Owadokun, from MTN Nigeria, was kidnapped in Lagos and taken to an unknown location, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of NGN70 million (US$441,000).
However, the network operator has confirmed 44-year old Owadokun has been released by his abductors and returned to his family.
Funmilayo Omogbenigun, MTN Nigeria’s general manager of corporate affairs, said: “The staff in question has since been reunited with his family.”
On how his release was secured, she said it was as a result of a joint operation involving the nation’s various security agencies.
She told HumanIPO he spent eight days in the custody of his abductors. According to her, Owadokun regained his freedom on Good Friday.
“He was abducted on Thursday 21 March and released on Good Friday 29 March,” Omogbenigun said.
