Kidnappers of Lagos monarch demand N500m ransom

The hoodlums who kidnapped the
traditional ruler of Iba, a Lagos suburb, Oba Yashau Oseni, have
demanded a ransom of N500 million, his family said yesterday.

Former Chairperson, Iba Local Government
Council and a daughter of Oba Oseni, Mrs. Ramota Oseni, said the
kidnappers contacted the family on Wednesday, five days after his
abduction, to make the demand.

Ramota said the family initially decided
not to make the ransom public for security reasons and also because
they could deal with the matter on their own.

She said the family proceeded
to negotiate with the abductors to pay N40 million, which was not
available, and also contacted the state government for assistance.

She expressed disappointment that government had not responded to their request.