The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State chapter, Tony Aziegbemi, who was kidnapped on March 16, 2024, has been released.
The news of his freedom was broken by Senator Odion Ugbesia, who revealed that Aziegbemi arrived at his residence at about 3 am today.
Ugbesia, however, did not specify whether ransom was paid to secure his release or not.
The PDP chieftain, who spent eleven days in the hands of his abductors, was kidnapped on March 16, 2024, by a gang of armed men a few metres from his residence in the Government Reservation Area in Benin City, the Edo state capital.
He was said to have been trailed by his abductors, who were said to be in two Toyota Corolla cars, and who overtook his jeep along Odaro Street off Country Home Road close to his house at about 11 p.m. on Friday, March 16.
According to his driver, who made the revelation, the gunmen forcefully took his boss at gunpoint and also left with his jeep.
The vehicle was later found where the kidnappers had abandoned it in the forest.
News About Nigeria reported that the family of the Edo PDP Chairman revealed that his abductors contacted them, demanding N500 million ransom.
The state police, however, debunked the claims because they had no idea about the ransom demand and were working tirelessly to ensure that Aziegbemi was rescued unhurt.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said, “I am not aware of any ransom demand. I can only confirm what I am aware of. All I know is that our men are working ensure he is rescued unhurt.”
The police are yet to give an official statement as to how the PDP chieftain regained freedom, whether he was rescued or ransom was paid.
