Aribibia Fubara, a director with the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue Service, has been freed after spending 11 days in captivity.
Fubara was abducted by a group of six armed men who arrived by speedboat through the Okirika Waterfront to the Marine Base area of Port Harcourt on August 25, 2024. The gunmen stormed his usual sit-out area, firing shots into the air to create chaos, before seizing him and fleeing in their boat.
According to report the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦40 million from Fubara’s family. A family source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the case, revealed that the kidnappers initially contacted the family with their demand but then disconnected the call as negotiations were underway.
On Sunday, it was confirmed that Fubara had been released and had reunited with his family. The source did not disclose whether a ransom was paid. Fubara was reported to have arrived at his Port Harcourt residence on Friday morning and is in good health.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed Fubara’s release and stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend and prosecute the kidnappers.