A graduate of the University of Jos, John Azi, who was abducted on April 11, has regained freedom after spending 11 days in captivity.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Azi, who studied early childhood education, was kidnapped while travelling from Jos, Plateau State, to Zaria in Kaduna State.
His brother, Joseph, had earlier disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦30 million before reducing it to ₦5 million, alongside other undisclosed items.
Confirming his release to The Cable on Wednesday, the victim’s eldest brother, Bulus Azi, said the family paid a total ransom of ₦10.3 million.
He explained that the payment was made in instalments due to fluctuating demands by the abductors.
“We paid it almost three times because whenever there’s news in social media, they will increase the amount. That was what they kept doing,” he said.
Bulus added that the final demand included an additional ₦4 million after an earlier payment of ₦6.315 million.
Despite his release, the family said they had yet to physically reunite with Azi as of Wednesday.
“That video was from Zaria. We are yet to see him… he’s on his way coming. We chartered a car, and we are still expecting him,” Bulus said.
According to the family, the abductors arranged for his release through a motorcycle rider.
“After we had paid yesterday, they decided to connect him. They said they will look for a bike man who will bring him out,” he added.
Bulus said the victim received initial medical attention before arrangements were made to transport him to Jos.
The family disclosed that although the police were informed, they handled the negotiations independently to secure his release.
He said, “We cannot leave him there waiting for police. It’s between us and them. And we have to do what they say we should do to be able to save a life.”
Bulus confirmed that the victim spent 11 days in captivity.
“Today is 11 days. He was kidnapped on the 11th of April 2026 until today,” he said.