After 10 months in captivity, Kaduna-based medical doctor, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola has regained her freedom.
Dr. Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, was abducted on December 27, 2023, along with her husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Popoola, and her nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy.
While her husband was released on March 8, 2024, after prolonged negotiations, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remained in captivity.
Her release comes after continued calls for action from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which organized protests and urged the Federal Government to intervene.
NARD President, Tope Zenith Osundara, confirmed the release in a phone interview with Daily Trust, expressing relief over the outcome.
โYes, it is true. It happened today (Wednesday). For now, we have insulated her away from people, we only allow very limited access to her,โ Osundara stated.
When asked how much was paid to secure her freedom, he responded โNo ransom was paid at all.โ