Kidnappers Demand ₦450m Ransom For Kwara Monarch, Son, Eight Others

Kidnappers demand ₦450m ransom for Kwara monarch, son, and eight others.
Gunmen abducted Oniwo of Aafin during palace attack on December 31.
Families plead for government intervention amid rising insecurity in Kwara South.

Kidnappers holding a Kwara State traditional ruler, the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, his son and eight other abductees have demanded a total ransom of ₦450 million for their release.

Sources said the abductors are demanding ₦150 million for the release of the monarch and his son, Olaolu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps, while ₦300 million was demanded for eight other victims kidnapped in Adanla Irese, a suburb of Igbaja.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that a family source, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers made contact with the victims’ families on Friday.

“The kidnappers contacted the family this afternoon and told us to bring ₦150 million to secure the release of Kabiesi and his son.

“Since this incident happened, we have not been ourselves. We entered the new year with sorrow and tears. We are calling on the government and security agencies to come to our aid because we don’t know what to do,” the source said.

The Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, Elder Olaitan Oyin Zubair, confirmed the ransom demand, describing the situation as distressing.

“Yes, it is true. The bandits contacted the family this afternoon and demanded ₦150 million for the release of Kabiesi and his son. Only two days ago, ₦300 million was demanded for the release of the Adanla abductees,” he said.

Oba Olaonipekun and his son were abducted on December 31, 2025, in the Ile Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area.

The incident occurred around 8:00 pm when gunmen suspected to be bandits reportedly stormed the monarch’s palace in Aafin Ile Ere, firing sporadically and forcing their way into the building after breaking doors.

The attack reportedly threw the community into panic, further deepening concerns over worsening insecurity across Kwara South.

During the invasion, the queen consort, Felicia Olaonipekun, was shot in the arm but escaped abduction. She was later taken to a hospital, where she is currently receiving medical treatment.

Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on efforts being made to secure the release of the victims.