Kidnappers free Rhodes-Vivour’s wife, daughter

Barely three weeks after their abduction, Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour, the wife of a Supreme Court Justice, her daughter and a driver were released by their abductors.

It was learnt that the victims were released after alleged payment of unspecified ransom.
But the police are still searching for the abductors.

The release resulted in jubilation at the Apex court in Abuja.
The trio were abducted on May 10 while on their way to Benin, Edo State, for a wedding.
According to a source, the victims were let off the hook in Benin by the kidnappers.

The source said: “There is a strong suspicion that they were released after payment of ransom. But no one knows how much was paid to the kidnappers, who had demanded N200million.
“From facts available to us, the victims were not freed by the police or security agencies.
“I think the kidnappers were tired of holding them after collecting some paltry ransom.
“Do not forget that the Supreme Court had opted for unorthodox method to rescue the victims. We are happy that they were set free and unhurt.

“There has been jubilation among Supreme Court staff because the emotional trauma was too much for all to bear. The abduction slowed down the activities of the apex court.
Asked of the whereabouts of the victims, the source added: “They have reunited with their family in Lagos.”

The Special Adviser on Media to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Isah Ahuraka, said: “I can confirm to you that the wife of Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour and two others have been released.

“The Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Sunday Olorunidahunsim has briefed the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Maryam Alooma-Mukhtar. “The victims have returned to their family in Lagos.”
On September 13, last year, Rotimi, the son of Justice Rhodes-Vivour, was also abducted with a N30million ransom demand.

The Nation