- Nine months after his family reportedly paid a ₦40 million ransom, abducted NSIEC Commissioner Barrister Ahmed Mohammed remains in captivity, with his kidnappers now demanding an additional ₦300 million.
- His family says it cannot meet the new demand and is appealing to the Niger State Government and security agencies to intervene urgently, amid reports that his health has deteriorated.
Nine months after his family reportedly paid a ₦40 million ransom, the abducted Permanent Commissioner of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), Barrister Ahmed Mohammed, remains in captivity as his abductors have demanded an additional ₦300 million for his release.
Barrister Ahmed was kidnapped on September 29, 2025, along the Mokwa–Ibbi Road in Borgu Local Government Area while travelling to Minna on an official assignment. His abduction occurred about four weeks before the state’s local government elections held on November 1, 2025.
According to a family member who spoke anonymously to Daily Trust, the kidnappers contacted the family again on Monday, June 29, 2026, to ask whether they were prepared to meet the new ransom demand.
“They call almost every day. It was only yesterday (Tuesday) that they did not call. We are appealing to the Niger State Government to come to our aid and secure his release. He was kidnapped while on an official engagement of the Niger State Government,” the source said.
The family disclosed that it could not afford the fresh ₦300 million demand, having already exhausted its resources after paying the initial ₦40 million ransom.
A close friend of the victim, Ayuba Abubakar, said the family has done everything within its means to secure Barrister Ahmed’s freedom since his abduction.
“We understand that the abductors have made demands, and we are also gravely concerned by reports that Barr. Ahmed’s health is seriously deteriorating.
“On behalf of his family, colleagues and well-wishers, I appeal for the urgent intervention of the Niger State Government and the support of all relevant security agencies to ensure his safe and immediate release,” he said.
The development has renewed concerns over the growing insecurity in parts of the country and the prolonged captivity of kidnapping victims despite ransom payments.
Comments:
@ConcernedNigerian: This is heartbreaking. Paying ransom clearly isn’t guaranteeing anyone’s freedom.
@VoiceOfReason: The government must do everything possible to rescue him safely.
@JusticeNow: Nine months in captivity after ₦40 million was paid is a tragedy.
@NaijaObserver: This shows why kidnappers should never be allowed to operate with impunity.
@HopeForNigeria: Praying for his safe release and for an end to this insecurity.
