Crime

Kidnappers of UNIABUJA Lecturers to be Arraigned on May 13

The abduction of University of Abuja lecturers and their children in 2021 shook the nation, highlighting security concerns in the Gwagwalada area. Armed gunmen stormed the Senior Staff Quarters, kidnapping six lecturers and demanding a ransom of N300 million. Now, four suspects are set to be arraigned in a Federal High Court in Abuja on May 13, facing charges of terrorism brought by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Published

1 month ago

March 27, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Kidnappers of UNIABUJA Lecturers to be Arraigned on May 13

A Federal High Court in Abuja has set May 13 for the arraignment of four suspects linked to the abduction of University of Abuja lecturers and their children in 2021.

On November 2, 2021, gunmen stormed the Senior Staff Quarters of the University of Abuja in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, and kidnapped at least six lecturers.

The assailants, numbering over 20, forcefully entered the compound and abducted the victims, including Bassey Ubom and his children, Prof. Joseph Adavani, Dr Ferguson Tobins, Mohammed Sambo, Offiong Ubom, John Obansa, and Fidelis Obansa.

The arraignment, initially scheduled for Monday, was postponed due to the court’s vacation. The case is before Justice Donatus Okorowo and is now set for May 13.

The defendants – Adamu Abubakar, Nura Muhammed Ahmadu, Ismailia Abubakar, and Abdulrahman Ado (also known as Yellow) – face charges of terrorism brought by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The charges allege that the defendants conspired to abduct the lecturers from their homes at the University of Abuja Staff Quarters and hold them captive in the forest for three days, demanding a ransom of N300 million for their release.

The incident raised concerns about security in the area and highlighted the risks residents face, particularly those affiliated with educational institutions.

The arraignment marks a significant step in pursuing justice for the victims. It sends a strong message against criminal activities, particularly terrorism and kidnapping, which threaten peace and stability in the region.

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Background:

The abduction took place in the early hours of November 2, 2021, when armed men stormed the Senior Staff Quarters of the University of Abuja in Gwagwalada. The gunmen, armed with sophisticated weapons, overpowered security personnel and gained entry into the compound. They kidnapped six lecturers and their children, taking them into captivity in the nearby forest.

The kidnappers demanded a ransom of N300 million for the release of the victims, leading to negotiations between the university authorities and the perpetrators.

The incident sparked outrage and raised concerns about security in the area, prompting intensified efforts by security agencies to rescue the abducted individuals and apprehend the perpetrators.

The arrest and subsequent arraignment of the suspects are significant milestones in the quest for justice and restoring peace and security in the region.

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