KEY POINTS

• A UNIJOS graduate was freed after 11 days in captivity following his abduction while travelling from Jos to Zaria.
• His family paid a total ransom of N10.3 million in instalments due to fluctuating demands.
• He has been released but was still on his way home as of the time of reporting.

John Azi, a graduate of the University of Jos, UNIJOS, has regained his freedom after spending 11 days in captivity. He was abducted on April 11, 2026, while travelling from Jos to Zaria.

According to his elder brother, Bulus Azi, the kidnappers initially demanded N30 million before reducing it to N5 million. However, the demands kept fluctuating, forcing the family to pay a total of N10.3 million in instalments.

He explained that the kidnappers increased the ransom whenever the case gained attention on social media, complicating negotiations.

Victim Released but Yet to Reunite With Family

Azi was released in Zaria after the ransom was completed. Although a video surfaced showing him after release, his family had not physically reunited with him at the time of reporting, as he was still being transported back to Jos.

He reportedly received preliminary medical attention before being handed over to a driver arranged by the family.

Despite informing the police, the family chose to handle the situation independently to secure his release quickly.

As of the time of the report, the Nigeria Police Force in Plateau State had not issued an official statement regarding the incident.