Kidnappers of a traditional ruler in imo state, demand N200m ransom

HRH Eze Joel Ndenkwo, the traditional chief of Isiala Umudi Autonomous community in Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo state, has been abducted, and his captors have demanded N200m in ransom.

The event happened last Friday on the state capital's notoriously busy thoroughfare in Owerri, where the monarch happened to be a business magnate who was kidnapped in front of his office.

A source close to the family claimed that on September 11, the kidnappers called the family and demanded N200 million in exchange for the victim's release. He also claimed that the victim's phone was used by the kidnappers to call one of the victim's siblings.

"It's true; His Royal Highness' kidnappers have called, spoken to his family for the first time since his abduction on Sunday.

They requested N200m from the family on Monday. They used his phone to make the call. I'm not sure where they're going to acquire that type of money, the person continued.

The event has been confirmed, and according to CSP Michael Abattam, the command's spokesperson, investigations are still ongoing.