A retired Nigeria Customs Service personnel, Emmanuel Owolabi, has been released after being kidnapped from his home in Ora town, Ifedayo local government area of Osun State, in December 2025. According to reports, Owolabi’s freedom was secured after an undisclosed ransom was paid to his captors.
The release was confirmed by Dr. Yemi Farounbi, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines and Asiwaju of Ora-Igbomina, in a statement issued in Osogbo on Tuesday. Farounbi expressed gratitude to the Osun State Government and Governor Ademola Adeleke for their support during Owolabi’s captivity. He also commended the police, military, and other security agencies, as well as traditional rulers and residents of Ora-Igbomina, for their efforts and prayers throughout the ordeal.
Farounbi stated, “We appreciate the government’s support and assistance during Owolabi’s captivity. We believe the government will continue to strengthen security, particularly in boundary communities.” He also acknowledged the role of the media in bringing the incident to national attention, despite the community’s remote location.
A source familiar with the negotiations revealed that Owolabi was freed in a forest around Oro Ago, a community in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. The source confirmed that a ransom was paid for Owolabi’s release, with the amount running into millions.
Owolabi’s abduction occurred on December 15, 2025, when gunmen attacked Ora community along the Osun-Kwara boundary, killing a village chief, Dennis, who was returning from his farm. The abductors initially demanded a ransom of N200m, approximately 48 hours after the abduction.
The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas. The Osun State Government and security agencies have been working to strengthen security measures and protect citizens from such incidents. With Owolabi’s release, the community can now breathe a sigh of relief, and efforts will focus on preventing similar incidents in the future.
