Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Abducted ex-Niger SUBEB chairman regains freedom 

Mr Bawa-Niworo was abducted on September 29, 2025.

• May 11, 2026
Alhassan Bawa-Niworo
Alhassan Bawa-Niworo [Credit: Facebook]

Alhassan Bawa-Niworo, the former chairman of the Niger State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), has regained freedom after seven months in captivity with bandits.

Mr Bawa-Niworo was abducted on September 29, 2025, on the New Bussa-Mokwa Road while travelling to Minna.

Saifullah Bawa-Niworo, his eldest son, confirmed the development on Monday in Minna, saying the former SUBEB chairman was released by his abductors on Sunday.

According to him, the family had earlier paid N30 million ransom, but the abductors failed to release the victim and instead demanded an additional N120 million.

He explained that the initial ransom was raised through bank loans and contributions from friends and relatives.

Mr Saifullah, however, did not disclose whether any additional payment was made before his father regained freedom.

When contacted, Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State police command, said the command had not yet been officially informed of the development. 

(NAN)

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