The former Chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhassan Bawa-Niworo, has regained freedom after spending seven months in bandits’ captivity.
Bawa-Niworo was abducted on the New Bussa-Mokwa Road while travelling to Minna, the capital of Niger State, on September 29, 2025.
The eldest son of the former SUBEB chairman, Saifullah Bawa-Niworo, confirmed on Monday that his father was released by his abductors on Sunday.
He disclosed that the family had earlier paid N30 million ransom, but the abductors failed to release Bawa-Niworo and instead demanded an additional N120 million.
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He explained that the initial ransom was raised through bank loans as well as contributions from friends and relatives.
Saifullah, however, did not disclose whether any additional payment was made before his father regained freedom.
The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the command had yet to be officially informed of the development.
