Katsina Businessman, Pregnant Wife, and Child Freed After ₦50m Ransom Payment

Story Written Uzuh Rita September 18,2025

After 21 harrowing days in captivity, a Katsina-based businessman, Anas Ahmadu, his seven-month pregnant wife, Halimatu, and their two-year-old daughter have finally regained their freedom from armed kidnappers.

Family sources confirmed on Wednesday night that the victims were released following the payment of a hefty ₦50 million ransom.

“Alhamdulillah! Anas, his wife, and their little daughter have been released tonight. They are now on their way home,” a relative disclosed, adding that the abductors freed them only after collecting the ransom.

The victims’ exact location of release was not revealed for security reasons.

The family’s ordeal began on August 26, 2025, when heavily armed bandits stormed their residence at Filin Canada Quarters, Katsina metropolis, and abducted the trio.

Initially, the kidnappers demanded ₦600 million for their release. The figure was later reduced to ₦100 million on September 3, before negotiations settled at ₦50 million.

The release brings temporary relief to the family but also underscores the escalating kidnapping crisis in Katsina and across northern Nigeria, where ransom demands have become a multi-billion-naira criminal enterprise.