Islamic Cleric Sheikh Yusuf's Kidnappers Demand For N60m Ransom

Kidnappers of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Abdulaziz Yusuf, have demanded for the princely sum of N60 million as ransom for them to effect his release.‎

Sheikh Yusuf, who is the administrative secretary of Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Plateau State branch, was kidnapped near Kaduna alongside his driver on Wednesday evening on his way back to Jos from Kaduna State.

He was scheduled to join Sheikh Khalid Aliyu in Jos so that the two would travel to Sokoto on Friday morning on a condolence visit to the family of late Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki.

Publicity Secretary for JNI, Abubakar Aliyu, who confirmed the unfortunate incident urged members of the organization to pray for the safe release of the captives.

He said: "The unfortunate rise of kidnappings in Nigeria is very alarming, as this is the third in the series of kidnapping that has happened to the JNI" he said in a statement.

"The first was Sheikh Adam Abdullahi Idoko, JNI Vice President-General, South East, in September, 2015. The second was Engr. Muhammad Lawal Maidoki, Member JNI Central Publicity Committee, in September, 2016, and now Sheikh Abdul’Aziz Yusuf. We therefore, implore all Jumu’ah Imams to include the matter in their Khutbah for enlightenment and Du’a tomorrow Friday, 18th November, 2016 and pray fervently for the safe and unconditional release of Sheikh Abdul’Aziz Yusuf, who is over 80 years of age."