BANDITS have released Yakubu Dada, who was abducted alongside his youngest wife, Lami, along Kontagora Road in Niger State on October 31, 2024.
Dada was reportedly freed on Monday, June 2, 2025, after his family paid an additional N20 million ransom, bringing the total amount paid to N30 million.
The kidnappers had initially collected N10 million in November 2024 but later demanded an additional N20 million and four Bajaj motorcycles, threatening to kill Dada if their demands were not met. Tragically, in early May, the bandits killed his wife, Lami, to pressure the family.
This newspaper reported that Yakubu Dada, a retired civil servant and resident of the Brighter Area of Minna, was abducted a few kilometers from Kontagora while traveling with his wife.
Speaking to this newspaper, his eldest wife, Maimuna, said Dada was released and abandoned by the kidnappers near Kotonkoro in Mariga LGA after receiving the additional N20 million.
Although he had not yet returned home, the family expressed relief over his release.
In November 2024, Maimuna revealed that the family had sold almost all their belongings—including their house, two cars, beds, televisions, and other valuables — to raise the initial N10 million ransom.
The payment was reportedly delivered by Dada’s younger brother in a forest in Kebbi State.
She added that after collecting the N10 million, the bandits initially demanded N60 million but later reduced their demand to N20 million and four motorcycles—an amount the family struggled to raise.
