LegalLinkz News | September 28, 2025
In a disturbing development highlighting the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly abducted 12 passengers traveling in a Toyota Hiace bus along the Okene-Auchi expressway in Kogi State. Among those abducted were newly-called-to-bar lawyers returning from the Nigerian Law School Call-to-Bar ceremony held in Abuja.
The victims were en route to Benin City, Edo State, when they were ambushed around midday by the armed assailants, who forced their vehicle—belonging to Big Joe Ventures Ltd with registration number Edo FUG 13 XY off the road before marching all passengers into the nearby forest.
Local residents confirmed to Daily Trust that the gunmen struck with precision, halting the bus and taking all 12 occupants hostage before any help could arrive. The incident has sent shockwaves through the legal community, especially as some of the victims were believed to be young lawyers freshly initiated into the Nigerian Bar.
Eyewitnesses report that the kidnappers operated swiftly and fled into the bush before security operatives arrived at the scene.
Reacting to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Kogi State Command, SP William Aya, confirmed the abduction and revealed that a swift joint operation involving police officers, military personnel, and local vigilantes led to the rescue of eight of the 12 abducted individuals, including the driver.
“During the incident, the kidnappers abducted all the 12 passengers commuting from Abuja to Benin in Edo State,” Aya said. “Subsequently, the DPO Okene Division, CSP Nasir Muhammad, immediately mobilised police personnel in conjunction with the military and vigilante in pursuit of the kidnappers. In the process, eight victims including the driver were rescued.”
Efforts, he added, are ongoing to secure the safe release of the remaining four hostages and apprehend the perpetrators.
This incident underscores the alarming state of insecurity on major Nigerian highways, particularly for legal professionals and other travelers moving between regions. It also raises pressing questions about the safety of recent law graduates and the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies in protecting citizens.
LegalLinkz will continue to monitor this situation closely and provide updates as new information emerges.
For inquiries or legal commentary on this incident, contact newsdesk@legallinkz.com.
Saudi Authorities Release Three Nigerians Wrongfully Detained for Alleged Drug Trafficking
