Husband seeks Tinubu’s intervention after wife’s abduction, N20m ransom payment

More than two years after the abduction of his wife, Sidi Usman Waziri from Baure Local Government Area of Katsina State, is still seeking justice and calling for urgent intervention from the authorities. In an emotional interview with Daily Trust, Waziri recounted the harrowing experience that began on October 21, 2022, when his wife was […]

More than two years after the abduction of his wife, Sidi Usman Waziri from Baure Local Government Area of Katsina State, is still seeking justice and calling for urgent intervention from the authorities.

In an emotional interview with Daily Trust, Waziri recounted the harrowing experience that began on October 21, 2022, when his wife was kidnapped and held for eight days. Her release was secured only after he paid a N20 million ransom.

“I am appealing to the governor, whom I believe has received my message, to help me seek justice for what was done to me and my family,” Waziri said.

According to him, the trauma of the incident was compounded by frustrations over how the case was subsequently handled by law enforcement.

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“By God’s mercy, one of the abductors was identified and arrested. He confessed and named others involved,” Waziri said, adding that another suspect was apprehended in Kwara State and also identified a prominent community member as the alleged mastermind behind the attack.

“The suspect said I was the initial target. After several failed attempts to kidnap me, they went after my wife. He claimed that “they were instructed to demand N100 million for my release,” he said.

Despite these revelations, Waziri expressed disappointment over the handling of the case.

“The main suspect was only invited and then released the same day. No formal charges were filed initially,” Waziri alleged.

He said he later filed a petition with the Assistant Inspector General of Police, prompting renewed action. The suspect was subsequently arraigned, but Waziri claims he was again released after just a few days, and the case was quietly discontinued.

“Our findings suggest that powerful individuals are working behind the scenes to derail the process,” Waziri said. “The charge sheet did not even include kidnapping, despite the confessions.”

Fearing the case may be permanently shelved, Waziri issued a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, and former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I am calling on these authorities to step in and ensure that justice is not denied,” he said.

Waziri also voiced concerns about his personal safety. “My life is still in danger. In Baure, everyone knows the risks. Those who challenge this man live in fear,” he said.

When contacted, the spokesman of the Katsina State Police Command, Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu, requested details of the case. However, he has not responded though information was provided via phone and text messages.