Ex-Customs officer regains freedom after payment of ransom to kidnappers

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - The retired Customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, who was kidnapped by suspected bandits in Osun State, has regained freedom after payment of an undisclosed amount in ransom.

Gunmen men attacked Ora-Igbomina community on the Osun/Kwara State boundary on Monday, December 15, 2026 and abducted Owolabi.

The abductors reportedly demanded a sum of N200m ransom to free him, but N20m was offered, which the abductors rejected.

Ex-Nigeria Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, who is the Asiwaju of Ora-Igbomina, confirmed Owolabi’s release in a statement in Osogbo on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. 

A very reliable source involved in the efforts to facilitate Owolabi’s release said his abductors released him in Oro Ago, a community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, late on Monday.

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

Farounbi, who, on behalf of the community, also commended Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke for gis support and assistance during the period that Owolabi was in captivity, expressed the belief that the government would continue to strengthen security and expand presence, particularly in boundary communities in the state.

“Commendation was extended to the Police, the Military, and other security and intelligence agencies for their efforts and sacrifices in safeguarding lives and property across the country. Ora-Igbomina residents further acknowledged the role of both the mass and social media for bringing the incident to national attention despite the community’s remote location,” he said. 

“Traditional rulers in Ifedayo Local Government Area were also praised, particularly the Orangun and the Asaoni, for their concern, support, and intervention. The statement emphasized that unity remains the community’s greatest strength. The Akesin, chiefs, pastors, imams, and citizens of Ora-Igbomina were equally commended for their prayers, solidarity, and collective efforts during the difficult period.”

He called for continued unity and self-reliance, stressing that community cooperation remains essential to addressing shared challenges.