New twist as kidnappers demand N15m ransom to free ‘murdered’ NURTW chairman in Osun 

Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

A new twist has been added to the alleged killing of the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Apomu branch, Osun State, Alhaji Kareem Alli.

Alli’s family allegedly received a call from his ‘kidnappers’ on Monday demanding for N15million ransom before he would be released.

It would be recalled that Alli, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain was waylaid, attacked with guns and cutlasses by unknown gunmen who trailed him to Oke-Alfa area of Apomu in Isokan Local Government Area on Saturday night.

The gunmen were said to have dragged him out of his car, shot and whisked him away to unknown destination. 

His family said they received calls from those they suspected to be kidnappers demanding ransom before they could free him from their custody.

A family member, who did not want to be identified, said the abductors have contacted the family to demand for N15 million ransom. 

“The kidnappers have reached out to us. They warned us not to let anybody know about the negotiations. They have been reaching the family through the wife, Jemila Alli. 

“They demanded for N15 million as ransom. We have not spoken with Kazeem Alli since he was abducted. We are praying for his safe return,” the family member said.

APC Chairman in the state, Prince Gboyega Famodun had alleged that Alli was killed by suspected assailants sponsored by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) because of his support for the party. 

The state police command through its spokesperson, Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that the body of Alli was yet to be found as police, hunters, vigilante and locals have been mobilised to the bushes to rescue the victim.