An Abuja-based businessman, Muhammad Shuaibu, and his 19-year-old daughter, Fatima Muhammad, have been killed by bandits despite the payment of N12 million ransom demanded.
Muhammad Shuaibu, a trader at the Dei-Dei Modern Market in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, was abducted alongside his daughter, Fatima Muhammad, who, until her death, was a student of the University of Abuja.
Shuaibu was reportedly taken, along with his two daughters, from their residence in Zhidu community, under Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State, on October 3, 2025, after armed men invaded their home.
A family member, who requested anonymity, explained that the kidnappers initially took the businessman and his daughters into the bush after rounding up members of the household.
He further stated that the abductors later demanded ransom in instalments, which the family paid in three tranches: N6 million, N4 million, and a final N2 million, bringing the total to N12 million.
According to him, āThe kidnappers had earlier killed Fatima about three months ago, accusing her of being stubborn, even as negotiations for ransom were ongoing.ā
The family member added that after the last payment of N2 million, the kidnappers instructed the bearer of the ransom to return, claiming that the businessman had died in captivity after falling seriously ill.
He explained that the family had to sell the deceasedās shop at Dei-Dei Modern Market, his car, and a sachet water production machine to raise funds for the ransom.
He stated that the bandits even asked them to sell Muhammad Shuaibuās house, lamenting that there was no buyer.
SP Wasiu Abiodun, the State Police Command spokesman, could not be reached to comment on the incident.
Abuja businessman, daughter killed despite N22m ransom
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