A faculty officer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Omoniyi Eleyinmi, has regained his freedom nearly a week after he was abducted.
Naijaonpoint reports that Eleyinmi, who serves in the Faculty of Education, was released on Sunday near a boundary town in Ondo State.
A family source confirmed to The Nation that his release followed the payment of a substantial ransom.
“My brother, a ransom was raised and paid to the kidnappers before they could release him to us,” the source disclosed.
A colleague from the university, who also confirmed the development, expressed gratitude to God for Eleyinmi’s safe return.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said he could not immediately confirm the release but promised to provide an update. The police have consistently advised against ransom payments in kidnapping cases.
Eleyinmi was abducted last Monday while returning to his residence in Supare-Akoko after work. Sources said the kidnappers initially demanded ₦100 million but later reduced the amount to ₦7 million after negotiations.
Following the abduction, the AAUA Alumni Association, of which Eleyinmi is an active member, launched an urgent donation appeal to raise the ransom.
The association’s Global Publicity Secretary, O’Seun Ogunsakin, urged members and well-meaning Nigerians to contribute within 24 hours to secure his release.
“Distinguished Alumni, I am sure that the majority of you must have heard the news of the kidnapping of one of us, Niyi Eleyinmi, who is the Faculty Officer of the Faculty of Education, AAUA.
“Eleyinmi was kidnapped on Monday, and the kidnappers have demanded a sum of seven million Naira (₦7,000,000). It is on this note that I want to passionately appeal to you to donate towards securing the safe release of Niyi from his captors,” Ogunsakin stated.
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