By Uzair Adam
The Permanent Commissioner of the Niger State Independent Electoral Commission (NSIEC), Barrister Ahmed Mohammed, is still being held by bandits nine months after his abduction, despite reports that his family paid N40 million ransom in an effort to secure his freedom.
Barrister Ahmed was kidnapped on September 29, 2025, along the Mokwa–Ibbi Road in Borgu Local Government Area while travelling to Minna on an official assignment.
His abduction occurred about a month before the state’s local government elections held on November 1, 2025.
A member of his family, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the kidnappers have now demanded an additional N300 million for his release.
The source said the abductors contacted the family again on Monday to inquire whether they were prepared to meet the latest demand.
However, the family informed them that it could not raise such an amount.
“The bandits call almost every day. It was only on Tuesday that they did not call. We are appealing to the Niger State Government to intervene and help secure his release.
“He was abducted while carrying out an official assignment for the state government,” the source said.
Speaking on the development, a close friend of the victim, Ayuba Abubakar, said the family had exhausted all available options in its efforts to regain his freedom.
He expressed concern over reports indicating that Barrister Ahmed’s health condition has worsened during captivity.
“On behalf of his family, colleagues and well-wishers, I appeal to the Niger State Government and relevant security agencies to urgently step in and ensure his safe and unconditional release,” Abubakar said.
The continued captivity of the electoral commissioner has heightened concerns among his family members, friends and associates, who are calling for swift action to secure his freedom.
