RIVERS – The chilling account of 12-year-old Favour Oluwaseyi’s abduction unfolds like a Nollywood script but is a grim reality that has shaken the family and raised serious questions about the Nigerian security system.
The incident began in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on August 7, 2024, when Favour was watching television in her father’s parlour alongside her mother. A neighbour’s daughter, Favour’s friend, joined them. At some point, Favour’s mother left the room to ease herself, but on returning, both girls had vanished. Hours passed with no sign of Favour. When asked, the neighbour’s daughter claimed Favour had followed a man and left in a tricycle. Panic set in, and the family received a call demanding ransom. After paying N100,000, there was no response from the kidnappers. A second payment of another N100,000 also yielded no result. The police were then called in.
The police briefly detained the neighbour’s daughter but later released her. Since then, both the girl and her parents have disappeared. A policeman reportedly extorted N250,000 from Favour’s father, promising to track the kidnappers, but nothing came of it. He even allegedly attempted another extortion of N300,000 using the name of a former Rivers State Commissioner of Police. The father raised the alarm, but there was no official response. Upon investigation, the victim’s family and the police traced the ransom account to an inmate at the Enugu Correctional Centre. The suspect, Chidiebere Chikezie, also known as “Chiboy,” was discovered to have been in prison since 2021, yet appeared to be living in luxury.
Favour’s father and four police officers visited the Enugu Correctional Centre in December 2024. They met the suspect, who looked well-fed, wore expensive items including a luxury wristwatch, and was using an Android phone. He initially confessed and was asked to produce the phone, which he did with the help of correctional officers. Upon returning, his attitude changed, and he refused to sign his statement. After the visit, the police team returned to Port Harcourt but seemed to lose interest in the case.
In response, the Rivers Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (RivCSO) and the media took up the matter. The Nigerian Correctional Service Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, denied the allegations outright, claiming no such person existed in the facility and that no such visit had taken place. Favour’s father, Oluwaseyi Ogunasinasi, held a press conference in Port Harcourt, calling the denial shocking and irresponsible. He insisted he had pictures of the suspect and his wife, and evidence of the ransom transfer. He criticized the Correctional Service PRO for dismissing the claims without thorough investigation.
Ogunasinasi described the suspect as appearing affluent, in contrast to the expected image of an inmate. He shared that the suspect made video calls with his wife frequently, even when she was temporarily arrested by the police. He also lamented how the woman was later released without clear reason or surety. Expressing deep frustration, he questioned the integrity of the country’s security agencies and called on the Minister of Interior, the National Security Adviser, the President, and the Inspector General of Police to intervene.
He recounted the psychological toll and the extortion he suffered in pursuit of justice. He expressed anguish over the role of the neighbour’s daughter in luring his child to be kidnapped and wondered why she was not a key part of the investigation. He stressed that his daughter had not left the house on her own; she was taken through deception. He also condemned the corruption he encountered in the police force and urged the government to ensure justice prevails.
As Favour’s birthday approached on April 26, the father made an emotional appeal for her unconditional release. He reiterated that all evidence—pictures, names, and transaction details—point to the involvement of an inmate at the Enugu Correctional Centre and decried the silence and inaction of the authorities.
The Rivers Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, led by Georgewill Enefaa, echoed these concerns. They criticized the Correctional Service’s hasty dismissal of serious allegations and demanded an open and thorough investigation. They urged the Service to release the visitor’s register from December 4, 2024, to confirm the father and police officers’ visit to the prison. They accused the authorities of attempting a cover-up and warned that failure to act transparently could implicate higher officials.
The Coalition challenged the Minister of Interior to take immediate steps and called for the dismissal of the Correctional Service PRO if found guilty of misrepresentation. They maintained that the public deserves accountability and that the truth must prevail to restore the faith of Nigerians in their justice and correctional institutions.
By Damilola Adeleke | May 27, 2025
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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