Ojibara of Bayagan still in captivity, says family spokesman
The Ojibara of Bayagan, Oba Kamilu Salami, who was kidnapped at last weekend is still in captivity, according to a family member.
Spokesperson for the royal family of Bayagan-Ile Community in Ifelodun Local Council of Kwara State, Rafiu Lawal, stated that Salami was still in captivity, against the fake news in circulation that he had been rescued by local hunters.
He said: “I wish to formally address and debunk the false information circulating across various media houses and social media platforms, claiming that our monarch, Kamilu Salami, has been rescued by local hunters. This report is completely untrue. I spoke with Kabiyesi on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and he confirmed that he is still in the custody of his abductors. The narrative suggesting that he has regained his freedom is fake and should be disregarded in its entirety.
“We appeal to the public, bloggers, media outlets, and community members to stop sharing unverified reports. Kindly ensure that any information concerning Kabiyesi’s situation is confirmed directly from the royal family to avoid misinformation and unnecessary tension,” he stated.
Salami was abducted from his farm in Ifelodun Local Council of Kwara on Saturday morning. His abductors have since contacted the community and demanded N150 million ransom for his release.
On December 1, he was said to have escaped from the kidnappers alongside other six abductees amidst crossfire between the kidnappers and security men. A report said he communicated with his kinsmen, though he was unable to find his way back home. It was not clear yet if he was recaptured by the abductors.