Kidnapped Customs ex-deputy comptroller, Mohammed Zarma regains freedom

Ex-Deputy comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Mohammed Zarma allegedly abducted by gunmen last Friday in Kwara state has regained freedom.

Zarma, now a fish farmer, was abducted on his farm at Oke Jia, Egbejila along with Obate village, Asa local government area.

The gunmen were said to have reportedly trekked into the farm with dangerous weapons and “took the man away by trekking through the bush”.

A close source of the retired customs officer said that the kidnap victim was released on Monday night and recuperating in a private hospital from experience suffered from the abduction.

Although it was not clear how much was eventually paid as ransom, the source said the abductors had initially demanded N10 million which was later negotiated to N6 million.

Spokesperson of Kwara Police Command Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the release of the farmer.

He, however, said that he needed to make contacts before he could give details.

But four persons kidnapped along Obbo Ayegunle/Osi road in the Ekiti local government area last week, including a mechanic, Sunday Balogun, his pregnant wife; Mary, his apprentices, Taiye and his twin brother, Kehinde, are yet to be freed by their abductors.

Only the pregnant wife was later released to announce their abduction.