My Nephew Spent 36 Days in Captivity, We Paid Cash, Drugs to Secure His Release — Hakeem Baba-Ahmed
By Our Correspondent
Former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has revealed that his family was forced to pay ransom, including cash, drugs and other items demanded by kidnappers, to secure the release of a nephew who spent 36 days in captivity.
Speaking on Trust TV’s Sunday Issues programme, Baba-Ahmed said the painful ordeal occurred while he was serving in the Presidency, adding that he was unable to use his position to influence the victim’s release.
According to him, family members had no option but to negotiate with the abductors and meet their demands after weeks of uncertainty over the fate of the victim.
He said the experience exposed the frightening reality of Nigeria’s insecurity crisis and demonstrated how vulnerable ordinary citizens have become in the face of rampant kidnapping and banditry.
Baba-Ahmed disclosed that beyond cash payments, the kidnappers demanded drugs and other supplies as conditions for releasing their captive, a development he said underscored the growing audacity of criminal groups operating across parts of the country.
The former presidential aide lamented that despite occupying a position close to the seat of power, he could do little to alter the situation, describing the experience as one of the most sobering moments of his public service career.
“It was a traumatic experience for the family,” he said, noting that thousands of Nigerians go through similar ordeals without attracting public attention.
He argued that the persistence of kidnapping and the increasing sophistication of criminal gangs should be a source of concern to government and security agencies.
Baba-Ahmed maintained that insecurity remains one of the biggest challenges confronting Nigeria and called for a more effective and coordinated response to protect citizens and restore public confidence.
The former presidential adviser also expressed concern over worsening economic hardship, saying many Nigerians are struggling to cope with rising living costs and declining opportunities.
According to him, the ultimate measure of any government is its ability to guarantee security, improve living standards and provide hope for citizens.
His remarks on Trust TV’s Sunday Issues programme have reignited debate about the scale of Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis and the growing burden placed on families forced to negotiate directly with abductors for the release of loved ones.
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(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JUNE 19TH 2026)
