Kidnappers demand N20 million ransom for Nigerian Muslim leader’s release

Abductors of the Deputy Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Adam Idoko, have demanded the payment of N20 million for his release, a source told PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday.

Mr. Idoko, who is also the Chief Imam of Central Mosque of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was kidnapped last Thursday at Ogurite town of Igboeze-North Local Government Area of Enugu State, while attending a meeting.

The Public Relations Officer of the Enugu Police Command, Amaraizu Ebere, told PREMIUM TIMES on Friday that they were committed to freeing the cleric from the abductors, and that they had made significant headway in the investigation.

But a source at UNN Central Mosque who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent on Tuesday in Enugu that the kidnappers called and demanded a ransom of N20 million before they would free the sheikh.

“UNN central mosque does not have that kind of money they are demanding. These kidnappers should remember that the Sheik is not a politician or business tycoon but one who works for God.

“I am still surprised how an Imam who devoted himself to the work of God would be a target for kidnap.

“If the UNN central mosque has that kind of money we would have finished the mosque project embarked upon four years ago,” the source said.

He said the ongoing project at the mosque was financed by modest offerings of Muslim faithful, adding that even the NYSC corps members agreed to be part of the building project.

“This new additional blocks on the building is as result of those contributions and I suspect that was why the Imam was kidnapped thinking that we now have money for the completion of the central mosque.

“No politician, government or individual gave us any money, it’s from these contributions we tasked ourselves to buy cement, sand as well as pay those working for us,” he explained.

Another worshipper, Musa Mohammed, described the N20 million ransom demand by the kidnappers as unfortunate and outrageous, wondering the crime Mr. Idoko committed that N20 million was demanded for his release.

“I am yet to know why Imam should be a target of abduction. I plead with the kidnappers to release him unconditionally as he is working for God,” he said.