N450 Million Ransom demanded for Kwara Monarch, Son, other abductees

Abductors of the Oniwo of Aafin, Oba Simeon Olaonipekun, his son, and several residents of Ifelodun Local Government Area in Kwara State have reportedly demanded a total ransom of N450 million for their release.

Sources indicate that the kidnappers are seeking N150 million for the monarch and his son, Olaolu, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and an additional N300 million for eight other residents abducted from Adanla-Irese, a suburb of Igbaja. A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the ransom demand on Friday.

“The kidnappers contacted the family this afternoon and told us to bring N150 million to secure the release of Kabiesi and his son,” the source said. He added that the family has been deeply traumatized since the abduction, which took place on New Year’s Eve. “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,” he said.

Elder Olaitan Oyin-Zubair, Coordinator of the Kwara South Joint Community Security Watch Network, also confirmed the ransom demand for the other captives from Adanla community. “Yes, it is true. The bandits contacted the family and demanded N150 million for the release of Kabiesi and his son. Only two days ago, N300 million was demanded for the release of the Adanla abductees,” he stated.

Reports indicate that bandits attacked the Aafin community in the Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun LGA on December 31, 2025, targeting the monarch’s palace around 8 pm. Witnesses said about eight armed men carried out the assault, firing sporadically and demanding to see the monarch and his wife.

Earlier, on December 26, suspected bandits raided Adanla community, abducting eight residents. Witnesses reported that the gunmen moved from house to house while firing sporadically around 7 pm.

The twin abductions have intensified concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Kwara State, particularly in Ifelodun LGA and other parts of Kwara South, which have experienced a surge in kidnappings in recent months.