Abducted Ex-Minister Of Finance, Olu Falae, Freed

Olu Falae, a former Secretary to Government of the Federation, who was abducted four days ago by unknown gunmen, has been freed.

Ondo Police Public Relations Officer, Wole Ogodo, who confirmed his release on Thursday, however refused to give details of his release. He said no ransom was paid for the release. He also refused to state whether any arrest was made, saying, “I will make that known later”.

Mr. Falae’s abductors had demanded N100million ransom for his release and later reduced it to N90million.

Meanwhile Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, has delivered Olu Falae, to his family in Akure, in line with the directive of President Muhamadu Buhari.

Mr. Falae, also a former minister of finance,  was escorted to his house at Obaile Road, Akure, by a team of police officers, led by Mr. Arase, at about 4pm amid jubilation by family members and well wishers.

Speaking to journalists after his arrival, Mr. Arase said it was not possible for criminal elements to hold the state to ransom.

Asked why he had to wait for a  marching orders from the president before acting, the IGP said before the presidential order to rescue Mr. Falae, the police had already taken appropriate action.

“Before the president gave the directive, the police had taken steps,” he said.

“Since on Monday we have been doing our job to rescue him even before the directive.”

He also said no ransom was paid to get him released.

He also refused to state whether any arrest was made, saying, “I will make that known later.”

 Photo credit: Premium Times