In a significant turn of events, the National President of the Afenifere Youth Council, Eniola Olajuni, who was abducted on February 17, 2025, has regained his freedom after spending 12 harrowing days in captivity.
The news of his release was confirmed by the National Secretary of the Afenifere Youth Council, Biodun Aderohunmu, in a short but relieving WhatsApp message sent to journalists on Saturday.
“He has been released.”
His abduction, which happened on his way to Abuja for an official meeting, sparked nationwide concern and condemnation, particularly after his captors demanded an exorbitant ransom of ₦100 million and two tricycles in exchange for his release.
The incident led to widespread outrage, prompting swift intervention by security agencies, notably the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), as ordered by Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
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This latest development has sparked fresh conversations about the state of security in Nigeria and the increasing cases of high-profile kidnappings in recent years.
The Shocking Kidnapping: How It Happened
The kidnapping of Eniola Olajuni was unexpected and deeply unsettling, especially for members of the Afenifere Youth Council, who regard him as a vital leader advocating for Yoruba youth interests.
Olajuni was reportedly traveling to Abuja for an important meeting when unknown gunmen ambushed his vehicle and forcibly took him away. The attackers, suspected to be part of a well-organized criminal syndicate, whisked him away to an unknown location, cutting off all direct communication with his family and associates.
Key Details of the Abduction
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Eniola Olajuni (Afenifere Youth Council President) |
| Date of Abduction | February 17, 2025 |
| Location | En route to Abuja |
| Ransom Demanded | ₦100 million + 2 tricycles |
| Days in Captivity | 12 days |
| Police Intervention | Intelligence Response Team (IRT) deployed |
Reports suggest that his kidnappers contacted his family and Afenifere leaders, demanding an unusually specific ransom: ₦100 million and two commercial tricycles (commonly known as Keke Napep in Nigeria).
The demand for tricycles alongside cash was unusual and raised speculation about the background of the kidnappers—some experts believe they might be part of a network involved in both ransom kidnappings and transportation businesses in certain regions.
Public Outcry and Security Response
The news of Olajuni’s abduction sent shockwaves across Nigeria, particularly within the Afenifere Youth Council and the wider Yoruba socio-political community.
Several youth organizations, human rights groups, and prominent politicians condemned the incident, calling for immediate action to secure his release.
However, the situation took a dramatic turn when a disturbing video surfaced online, showing Olajuni pleading for help at gunpoint. In the viral footage, he urged Nigerians to raise the ransom money to facilitate his freedom.
The video intensified public pressure on law enforcement agencies, leading to the intervention of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. He ordered the deployment of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to track down the kidnappers and ensure Olajuni’s safe return.
How the Government and Police Reacted
| Action Taken | Details |
|---|---|
| Public Reaction | Nationwide outrage and demand for urgent intervention |
| Police Response | Deployment of Intelligence Response Team |
| Government Pressure | Calls for enhanced security measures |
| Viral Video Impact | Increased pressure on authorities to act |
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) reportedly intensified its intelligence gathering, tracking financial transactions and communication channels possibly linked to the kidnappers.
Meanwhile, community leaders and members of the Afenifere group initiated negotiations with the abductors, further adding to the efforts of the police.
The Circumstances of His Release: What Happened?
As of now, specific details regarding the conditions of Olajuni’s release remain unclear. However, sources close to the situation suggest that a combination of security pressure and possible negotiations played a key role in securing his freedom.
Possible Scenarios Leading to His Release
- Payment of Ransom: Some sources speculate that part of the ransom might have been paid to secure his release, though there is no official confirmation from his family or the Afenifere leadership.
- Police Intervention: The involvement of the Intelligence Response Team may have forced the kidnappers to release their captive to avoid arrest.
- Community Negotiations: Influential figures in the Yoruba socio-political scene may have stepped in to negotiate behind the scenes.
Regardless of the details, Olajuni’s release has been met with widespread relief and celebration. Family members, Afenifere Youth Council members, and concerned Nigerians have expressed gratitude to all involved in securing his freedom.
The Bigger Picture: Rising Cases of High-Profile Kidnappings in Nigeria
Olajuni’s abduction is one of many high-profile kidnappings in recent times, highlighting the increasing security challenges in Nigeria.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a major criminal enterprise, with politicians, business leaders, and activists frequently targeted.
Notable Kidnapping Cases in Nigeria (2023-2025)
| Victim | Date | Ransom Demanded | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Ahmed Musa (University Lecturer) | July 2023 | ₦50 million | Released after 14 days |
| Chief Olufemi Adetola (Businessman) | January 2024 | ₦120 million | Killed despite ransom payment |
| Senator Gideon Adebayo | August 2024 | ₦200 million | Released after 30 days |
| Eniola Olajuni (Afenifere Youth Leader) | February 2025 | ₦100 million + 2 tricycles | Released after 12 days |
Security experts have warned that Nigeria’s kidnapping epidemic will continue unless tougher laws, better policing, and economic reforms are implemented.
What’s Next? Calls for Stronger Security Measures
Olajuni’s abduction has reignited calls for enhanced security strategies to combat kidnappings in Nigeria. Many are urging the government to:
- Strengthen intelligence gathering to track and dismantle kidnapping rings.
- Increase police funding to improve response times and tactical operations.
- Introduce harsher penalties for convicted kidnappers to deter future crimes.
- Encourage community-based security initiatives for quicker intervention.
The Afenifere Youth Council has also vowed to continue advocating for policies that will protect Nigerian youths and leaders from future abductions.
Key Concerns Moving Forward
| Issue | Expected Actions |
|---|---|
| Security Challenges | More investment in intelligence operations |
| Government Response | Stricter anti-kidnapping laws |
| Public Sentiment | Increased demand for safety |
Editor’s Note: A Crisis That Demands Urgent Action
While Olajuni’s safe return is a victory, it serves as a grim reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
Unless decisive action is taken, the cycle of kidnappings will persist, leaving more families in distress.
The government must prioritize national security and ensure that Nigerians, regardless of status, can travel freely without fear of abduction.
For now, Nigerians can only hope that the lessons from Olajuni’s ordeal will lead to meaningful change in the fight against insecurity.
This is a developing story, and more details will be shared as they emerge.
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