25th September, 2015
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Solomon Arase, on Thursday said that no ransom was paid for the release of a former Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae.
Arase, who disclosed this to journalists in Akure while handing over Falae to his family, said the police would soon release further details on the rescue efforts.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mike Ogbodu, as well as other top officers of the force were also present at the forum.
Falae was kidnapped on Monday on his farm by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The abductors had reportedly demanded N100 million initially as ransom before reducing this to N90 million.
Here is the statement the police high command issued in Abuja:
“The rescue of Chief Olu Falae from his captives on September 24th, 2015 was made possible as the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, fdc NPM coordinated both aerial and land operations to ensure the freedom of the former presidential candidate of the SDP.
“The operation which started in the early hours of the aforementioned date, combed every nook and cranny of Ondo state till success was achieved in Owo.
“Speaking in Owo while re-uniting Chief Olu Falae with his family, the Inspector-General of Police said; those who think Nigeria is lawless should have a rethink as the Nigeria Police Force and other sister agencies are everywhere to deal decisively with those miscreants who intend to test the capabilities of the Force. He further said that the Former Secretary to the Federal Government is hale and hearty.
“Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police promised to leave no stone unturned till the perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book.