A legal practitioner based in Abuja, Linda Ameh, who was earlier declared missing, has regained her freedom, with the Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirming that she is safe.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that Ameh personally visited the Maitama Police Station after her release and provided an account of the events surrounding her ordeal.
According to Adeh, investigations are still underway as security operatives intensify efforts to identify and arrest those responsible for the incident. She added that Ameh is cooperating with investigators by providing useful information that could assist the ongoing probe.
Ameh was reportedly abducted on Tuesday, May 6, shortly after closing from work at Blades and Butchers Ltd in Maitama at about 5:40 p.m. Her disappearance was immediately reported to the Maitama Division of the FCT Police Command as well as the National Youth Service Corps.
The young lawyer had only recently taken up a position as a sales manager at the company and was said to be approaching the end of her NYSC programme. Family members revealed that she was heading home to Life Camp when all attempts to reach her failed, as her phone lines suddenly became inaccessible and remained switched off.
It was gathered that those behind the abduction later contacted her relatives and demanded a ransom of ₦20 million in exchange for her release.
Lagos based human rights lawyer Festus Ogun also confirmed her release through a social media post on Sunday. He alleged that ransom was paid before she regained her freedom, although he did not state the exact amount involved.
According to him, “Eunice, the Abuja lawyer earlier abducted, has been freed after payment of ransom. It’s Eunice, it could be anyone tomorrow.
“The security situation in the country is alarming. It makes me wonder really how this President sleeps at night. I think he doesn’t just give a damn.”
Before the police confirmation, a source close to the family had reportedly disclosed that Ameh had been found alive and unharmed.
Her disappearance had triggered widespread concern within the legal community, with the Nigerian Bar Association calling for swift intervention by security agencies.
President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Afam Osigwe, described the incident as one that resonated deeply with lawyers across the country.
He said, “When a young lawyer goes missing, the pain is not distant to the Nigerian Bar Association, it is personal. We are more than a professional body; we are a community bound by shared sacrifice, shared dreams, and a collective duty to stand for one another.”
Reports further indicated that Ameh had resumed her role at Blades and Butchers Ltd only a few weeks before the incident, while also making preparations to complete her mandatory national service.
