Kidnappers have released owner of popular Club 64 in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Mr Tari Ajanami, abducted two weeks ago, it has been learnt.
But some drama reportedly played out after his freedom as the kidnappers detained his 38-year-old wife, Christiana and his septuagenarian father-in-law over claims the N15m ransom paid was a far cry from the N200m ransom they demanded.
It was gathered Ajanami, 43, was abducted at his building site along Otiotio area of Yenagoa and released at a ransom exchange point in Ahaoda in Rivers State.
The ransom exchange, it was gathered, was kept secret from authorities of Bayelsa Police Command and friends of the victim.
It, however, turned awry when the kidnappers insisted the N200m ransom demanded must be completed.
The kidnappers were said to have seized the ransom couriers, who incidentally were the victim’s wife and father-in-law.
A close family source, however, expressed concerns over the new development, revealing the abducted wife of the club owner is having issues with hypertension and was not with her drugs at the point of abduction.
The source, who spoke in confidence, said: “We are however waiting to hear from the kidnappers.
“We learnt their Satellite mobile phone gadget, popularly referred to as Turaya phone, fell into the water during the ransom exchange.
“You know N15m was taken to the ransom exchange point. The kidnappers collected the money and held the wife and her father in order to demand more money from the victim. We plead with the kidnappers to tamper justice with mercy.”
When contacted, spokesman for Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, said the police had not been briefed about the release of Ajanami and the abduction of his wife and father-in-law.
But a source from the Police Command claimed all they were hearing about the abduction drama were hearsay.
”He has been released but we have not been officially informed. He should have come forward for de-briefing,” the police source, who craved anonymity, said.
Another senior police source, however, said though the police have the personnel to investigate, rescue and arrest those involved in cases of kidnapping, they did not have the logistics and vehicles needed.
“For a state like Bayelsa, we only have one vehicle and some dilapidated ones to combat crimes in the state.
*All other vehicles are handed to the state security outfit, Door Akpo, due to political patronage,” he said. (The Nation)
