By Gite Igiehon
Society whole Editor
Nearly two months after the abduction of five-year-old Memunah Abdulrahman in Lagos State, her family remains gripped by anxiety and frustration, as the suspected kidnappers have reportedly demanded a ransom of N500,000 for her release.
Memunah, a bright and cheerful child, was abducted on March 9, 2025, while returning home from her Islamic school in the Ejigbo area of Lagos. According to the family, the incident occurred near a well-known supermarket in the community, where a female suspect allegedly lured Memunah and her older sister under the guise of buying them snacks. While pretending to shop, the woman reportedly vanished with Memunah, leaving her sister confused and alone.
The case, which initially sparked widespread concern within the Ejigbo community, has taken a distressing turn with the family receiving a ransom call. In an interview with Punch, the victim’s father, Abdurrahman Alimi, shared the agonizing details of the communication with the abductors.
“It was almost a month after my daughter was taken that they contacted us,” he recounted. “They called from a hidden number and demanded N500,000 for her release. They didn’t give us a chance to negotiate or ask questions — they just hung up and haven’t reached out again. I believe my daughter is still alive, but the silence is killing us.”
Alimi said the family promptly informed the police about the phone call. According to him, the police advised that the abductors be asked to initiate further contact through WhatsApp — a suggestion aimed at aiding efforts to trace the suspects. However, no follow-up communication from the kidnappers has been received since.
The family’s ordeal has been compounded by growing concerns about the progress of the investigation. Although the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Owohunwa Jimoh, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case, Alimi expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of transparency and communication.
“SCID officers visited our community shortly after the directive was given, but we’ve heard nothing since then. No updates, no new information. We feel abandoned,” he lamented.
Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the Commissioner’s directive and assured that the case was being treated with urgency. However, he declined to provide further details, citing the sensitive nature of the investigation.
As Friday marks two full months since Memunah’s disappearance, the family is making renewed appeals to the public and authorities for intensified efforts to secure the child’s safe return. Community members have also begun organizing small awareness campaigns and prayer sessions, hoping to keep the pressure on both the authorities and potential witnesses.
The case adds to a worrying trend of child abductions in urban communities, raising questions about public safety and the efficiency of law enforcement response. Many are calling for improved surveillance, faster police interventions, and more transparent communication with affected families.
For the Abdulrahmans, every passing day is a painful reminder of the child they are desperate to embrace once again. “All we want is our daughter back,” said Alimi, his voice filled with emotion. “We will never stop hoping, praying, and fighting for her.”
