NIGERIA: Kidnapped Former SGF Chief Olu Falae Says He Paid A Ransom For His Freedom

A former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Olu Falae, on Monday has revealed that his family paid ransom to his abductors before he was freed on Thursday.

He said the kidnappers only freed him after they received payment, adding that he trekked for 15 kilometres before he was picked up by the police in Owo, several kilometres from Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The former minister’s disclosure has put a lie to the claim by the Nigeria police that no ransom was paid before his release.

Recall that after spending four days in the kidnappers den, Falae who was on Thursday escorted back home by security operatives said he slept on the floor for four days and trekked several kilometers to get to the hideout of his abductors.

IGP Arase’s words on Falae’s release

In an interview after he accompanied Falae home, IGP Arase said: “The important thing now is that Baba Falae is back home safe and sound according to the mandate given to me by the President. He said that no ransom was paid and that nobody has been arrested. Asked about where the victim was rescued, the IGP said it was a security matter and not meant for public consumption.