Abducted ex-UNIZIK VC released

Former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, Awka, Professor Ilochi Okafor, SAN, who was abducted by unknown gunmen from his Enugu residence on November 25, this year, has regained his freedom.

The Enugu state police command confirmed in Enugu yesterday that Professor Okafor was released without paying any ransom to his captors.

The state Police Public Relations Officers, PPRO, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, said in a statement that the Senior Advocate of Nigeria was released at Emene axis of theCoalCityon November 28, 2012 at about 3 pm.

He said that his release followed a two-day intensive manhunt for  the alleged kidnappers by security operatives, adding that the professor, who was hale and hearty, had since united with members of his family.

The command, however, thanked members of the public for providing necessary information which assisted them in the operation as well as the effort of the sister security agencies in the state.

Prof. Ilochi was kidnapped in front of his residence at Independence Layout,Enuguwhile on his way to Sunday church service.

The kidnappers had taken him away in his Honda Sedan Car with registration number AQ 347 ABC to an unknown destination where he was held for days.

Reports said the kidnappers demanded N50 million ransom from Okafor’s family but the police said no ransom was paid before his release.

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