The family of abducted Niger State Independent Electoral Commission Permanent Commissioner Barrister Ahmed Mohammed has revealed that despite paying N40 million in ransom, he remains in bandit captivity nine months after his kidnapping, with his abductors now demanding an additional N300 million while his health deteriorates.
Nine months. N40 million paid. And the bandits want more.
Barrister Ahmed Mohammed, Permanent Commissioner of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), has been in bandit captivity since September 29, 2025 — kidnapped along the Mokwa–Ibbi Road in Borgu Local Government Area while travelling to Minna on official government business. His family, already financially devastated after paying a N40 million ransom, is now facing a fresh demand of N300 million that they simply cannot meet.
The bandits, sources told Daily Trust, have been relentless. “They call almost every day,” a family member said. “It was only yesterday (Tuesday) that they did not call. We are appealing to the Niger State Government to come to our aid and secure his release. He was kidnapped while on an official engagement of the Niger State Government.”
That last point is critical — and deliberately emphasised. Barr. Ahmed wasn’t travelling for personal reasons. He was on state business when armed men dragged him off the road. His family believes that creates a direct responsibility for the Niger State Government to intervene, a responsibility they say has not been fulfilled in nine agonising months.
Making matters more urgent, close friend Ayuba Abubakar revealed that Barr. Ahmed’s health is now seriously deteriorating inside captivity.
“We understand that the abductors have made demands, and we are also gravely concerned by reports that Barr. Ahmed’s health is seriously deteriorating,” Abubakar said. “On behalf of his family, colleagues and well-wishers, I appeal for the urgent intervention of the Niger State Government and the support of all relevant security agencies to ensure his safe and immediate release.”
Barr. Ahmed was abducted just four weeks before Niger State’s local government elections of November 1, 2025 — elections his commission was responsible for conducting. He has now been held longer than most Nigerian election cycles.
A family financially ruined. A man’s health collapsing in the bush. A government yet to act. And bandits who call almost every single day.
Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis has a face. His name is Barrister Ahmed Mohammed.
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