Actress Nkiru Sylvanus’s family paid N8m ransom to secure her release

The revelation was made by the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adisa Bolanta, while speaking with newsmen in Owerri on Friday. He said that the family defied repeated warnings from the police not to negotiate or pay any ransom to the abductors,

He further stated that the family of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, did so without the knowledge of the police

While corroborating what the Commissioner said, a source close to the actress who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the "family had to do what it did to bring her out alive. We were afraid that if we continue to listen to the Police, the kidnappers may harm her, that was why we did what we did. At least, we are happy that she is out and alive".

The commissioner added that the police had earlier recovered and returned N7 million paid by the family.

According to him after “we returned the money to the family, they defied our warnings and continued negotiations with the kidnappers.

“They went behind us and paid N8 million to the kidnappers,” he said.

He, however, reassured residents of the state that the fleeing kidnappers would be brought to book.

“We have made some arrests in connection with the case and very soon they will all be apprehended.

“Let me assure the good people of Imo that we will not rest until all forms of criminality has been eradicated from this state.’’