The abductors of a lawyer, Hashimu Abdullahi, have reportedly given his family and colleagues a 48-hour ultimatum to pay a ₦10 million ransom or risk losing further communication with them.

The development has thrown members of the Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria (MULAN) into anxiety as efforts intensify to secure the release of the legal practitioner.

The immediate past President of MULAN, Barrister Saidu Muhammad, disclosed the development in a statement, describing Abdullahi as a respected member of the association.

According to him, Abdullahi was abducted 21 days ago while returning from the MULAN Annual General Conference held in Kano.

Muhammad said the kidnappers initially demanded ₦200 million but later reduced the ransom to ₦10 million after negotiations.

“We have been given a 48-hour ultimatum. The deadline is Friday, 17 July, to pay the ransom,” he said.

He added that the abductors had threatened to cut off all communication if the demand was not met within the stipulated period, expressing serious concern over the lawyer’s safety.

“In line with the ethics and brotherhood of the Bar, we appeal for your urgent support,” Muhammad stated.

The association did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the abduction or the ongoing efforts by security agencies to secure Abdullahi’s release. (Nigerian Tribune)