The death of Rauf Adeniji, a high-ranking member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has deeply affected the party and the nation.
Mr. Adeniji, who served as the APC’s Director of Administration, was kidnapped on January 26 along with his cousin, Akinropo Adesiyan, and his wife, Esther Adesiyan, from their residence in Kubwa, Bwari Council Area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Sources indicate that the 66-year-old politician had moved in with his cousin in Kubwa following his appointment as the APC’s national director of administration.
Reports now reveal that Mr. Adeniji was killed shortly after his abduction in January.
This information only recently came to light when his cousin, Akinropo Adesiyan, who was rescued along with other captives by security forces on April 7, disclosed the tragic news.
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There appears to have been a deliberate effort by security agencies and the ruling APC to keep the details surrounding the kidnapping and subsequent death of Mr. Adeniji, a prominent figure within the ruling party, while in the hands of kidnappers, confidential.
This may be due to concerns about the potential negative impact on the federal government’s stated efforts, led by the APC, to ensure the safety of lives and property nationwide.
Besides announcing a temporary closure of its national headquarters on Thursday to honor Mr. Adeniji, who oversaw the secretariat’s daily operations until his abduction and death, the APC has not released further details regarding the passing of this top party official.
However, Jamiu Olawumi, an APC chieftain with knowledge of the incident, shared a more detailed account of the tragic events leading to the deaths of Mr. Adeniji and his cousin’s wife with PREMIUM TIMES on Friday.
He recounted how the kidnappers, posing as concerned citizens, alerted Mr. Adeniji and Mr. Adesiyan to a supposed intruder on their property late at night.
The criminals claimed to be there to help apprehend the suspect, a ruse to gain entry. Upon opening the gates, the bandits attacked them, setting off a chain of events with a devastating outcome.
Mr. Olawumi stated that the discovery of Mrs. Adesiyan’s body along a bush path near the road was the first indication of the tragedy. He further explained, based on Mr. Adesiyan’s account, that the shock and trauma of witnessing his wife’s murder led to Mr. Adeniji’s death approximately three hours later.
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According to Mr. Olawumi, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N250 million, with the federal government explicitly instructing against any payment. However, Mr. Olawumi could not confirm if a ransom was eventually paid.
On April 8, Mr. Adesiyan was rescued along with 59 others by the Nigerian Army. Following the rescue, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, urged Nigerians to cease paying ransom to kidnappers, stating that it only encourages further criminal activity and is counterproductive.
Mr. Olawumi indicated that it was after this rescue that the APC and Mr. Adeniji’s family learned of his death, which had occurred several weeks prior. He noted that Mr. Adeniji’s wife and children have been left in deep sorrow.
The police Public Relations Officer (PRO) Oluwamuyiwa Adejobi did not respond to requests for comment.
Meanwhile, tributes and condolences have been pouring in from prominent figures such as Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, his predecessor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, and the APC, all acknowledging the deceased’s virtues and contributions.
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