Former Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, facing allegations of terrorism sponsorship, has revealed on Sunday that a friend of his has pledged to contribute N50 million as ransom for the release of the remaining five sisters abducted in Abuja.
The revelation comes amidst a cloud of controversy surrounding Pantami’s alleged ties to terrorism.
Recall a report by BBC news on April 23, 2021 disclosed that Pantami also a renowned Muslim cleric, expressed views sympathetic to groups such as al-Qaeda and Boko Haram. In one sermon from the 2000s he said he considered al-Qaeda founder, Osama Bin Laden, a better Muslim than himself, and in another, he said he was happy when infidels were massacred.
Following the abduction of six girls in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, one of them identified as Nabeehah was reportedly killed by the kidnappers after the deadline for the ransom payment passed.
The sisters, including one identified as Nabeeha, were kidnapped on January 2, 2024, triggering a social media fundraising campaign.
Following the fundraising campaign, Pantami disclosed in a tweet on his X handle that a friend of his, whose name was not mentioned, has offered to contribute N50 million to their release.
His words, “I am personally not in support of paying ransom to criminals. However, since it became clear, that we lost our daughter Nabeeha yesterday, and the five remaining daughters have been threatened, as I spoke with the father on the matter yesterday and today.
“Furthermore, I spoke with a friend and a brother who offered to pay the remaining 50 million Naira of the 60m immediately.
“I conveyed the account number of the father of our daughters, Mansoor Al-Kadriyar, to the friend and brother to send the money directly. Any additional amount earlier generated from yesterday, the father can use to treat the daughters and other family members in sha Allah.
“May the Almighty Allah reward the bother and friend with Jannatul Firdaus for the donation. May He also reward all those who contributed in any way with Jannatul Firdaus, too.
“May He also forgive Nabeeha and rescue her sisters. May the Almighty also help our security agencies to bring an end to these challenges. May Nigeria be a better place for all of us.”
The initial abduction incident was brought to public attention by a user on X, Adamu_Asiya_, who identified herself as a cousin to the kidnapped sisters.
In a tweet, she wrote, “Please pray for my sisters and uncle when you see this. Nabeeha, her sisters, and her dad were kidnapped in their house last night. We lost an uncle in the process. Your duas are needed.”
Subsequent updates indicated that the father was released by the kidnappers with a ransom of N60m placed on the lives of the Najeebah and her sisters with a deadline given. The hashtag #Najeebaandhersisters was created to raise the demanded N60 million.