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Imo Monarch Reveals Harrowing Kidnapping Experience, Denies Police Involvement
Eko Hot Blog reports His Royal Majesty, Eze Samuel Ohiri, the immediate past Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, recently abducted by unknown gunmen, has refuted social media claims that the Nigerian Police Force played a pivotal role in securing his release.
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Addressing the public at his palace, Eze Ohiri made it clear that he personally paid an undisclosed ransom in two installments for his freedom, spending 12 days in the kidnappers’ den.
Eze Ohiri was keen on setting the record straight, stating, “I wouldn’t have opened up, but I have to act this time to tell the world the truth because of the viral social media report. I don’t like any organization hiding under government cloak to speak lies, deceive the society and self-aggrandize itself.”
Recounting the traumatic experience, the monarch revealed that on January 6, 2024, he was abducted in the early hours upon returning from a visit.
He described the abductors as “merciless boys (men),” recounting the struggle and the subsequent blindfolding before being transported to an undisclosed location.
“They first kept me in an uncompleted building before I was transferred to another place. I saw hell during the 12 days I spent with my abductors. At first, it looked as if they have some special scores to settle with traditional rulers and politicians, but luckily for me, their leader came to the camp and ordered them not to torture me, that I am a decent man,” Eze Ohiri shared.
The monarch detailed the negotiation process initiated by his family and associates with the kidnappers. This negotiation ultimately led to his release following the payment of two separate ransoms.
During his captivity, Eze Ohiri endured challenging conditions, subsisting on a meager diet. “While in the den, my food was water, two raps of gala, and sometimes bread with water in the night. That is why I described them as being merciless,” he added.
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Eze Ohiri also expressed gratitude for the release of his cousin brother, who was freed after cleverly identifying himself as the monarch’s driver during the abduction.
The monarch’s revelation serves as a reminder of the persistent security challenges faced by individuals, even those in prominent positions, and the complex dynamics of negotiating with kidnappers in Nigeria.
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