ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigeria Police Force has firmly declared that crowdfunding for kidnap ransom on social media is not only illegal but also a punishable offense.
Speaking on a live TV program on Channels TV, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that such actions are against the law and demoralize police personnel.
Adejobi expressed concern about the impact of this emerging trend, emphasizing that paying a ransom is considered a criminal act in Nigeria.
He condemned the use of social media platforms for crowdfunding, highlighting its adverse effects on morale and its potential to undermine the entire security system.
Addressing the issue, Adejobi stated, “Paying ransom is criminal in Nigeria, according to the provisions of our law. But the problem we have in most cases is that families of victims, in most cases, they don’t carry security operatives along.”
He further pointed out the psychological tactics employed by kidnappers to dissuade victims’ families from involving law enforcement.
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Adejobi highlighted a specific case where crowdfunding for ransom was done on social media, categorizing it as counterproductive and criminal.
“Crowdfunding is not allowed. How can you come on social media and tell people to gather money to go and rescue victims? It kills our morale; it kills the system. We should not encourage that,” Adejobi emphasized.
He warned against the dangerous consequences of encouraging ransom payments, stating, “The more we encourage payment of ransom, the more it makes that dirty business lucrative.”
He said, “Paying ransom is criminal in Nigeria, according to the provisions of our law. But the problem we have in most cases is that families of victims in most cases, they don’t carry security operatives along.
“They get scared because kidnappers always work on their psyche, ‘don’t tell security agents, don’t tell the police, if you do, we are going to kill your relations,’ and they kept quiet.
“It got to a stage where somebody did crowdfunding on social media; this will not help us in any way. It is criminal. It is not allowed. It is condemned. Even the Federal Government condemned it.
In January, former Minister Prof. Isa Pantami disclosed an incident where a friend pledged N50 million to contribute to funds for the ransom demanded by kidnappers for the release of five sisters, including Nabeeha Al-Kadriyar.
Tragically, Nabeeha lost her life, underscoring the grim consequences of yielding to ransom demands.
Individuals appealing for financial assistance through social media for family members abducted by kidnappers are now cautioned against engaging in illegal crowdfunding activities.
The police stress the importance of collaboration with law enforcement agencies rather than resorting to illegal methods, which compromise national security.