A Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) graduate, Funke Grace Obatuyi, has raised alarm over the alleged kidnapping of her father, Ayotunde Obatuyi, while he was returning to Abuja following her convocation ceremony on Friday, November 14, 2025.
Funke Grace, a recent Human Anatomy graduate and former student leader, claimed in posts on social media platform X that her father was abducted in Kogi State, along the Kabba highway, a route notorious for kidnappings. She said the kidnappers were demanding a ransom of 10 million naira.
The family reportedly circulated an audio message purportedly from Ayotunde Obatuyi, in which a man’s voice pleaded for help and provided bank details for financial assistance. Funke Grace said she heard her father’s voice in distress, describing him as tied and tortured since the abduction.
In one of her posts, she wrote:
“My dad was kidnapped on his way back to Abuja after my convocation. They are demanding 10 million naira ransom. I need your help with any support. My dad is being tortured right now. I heard his voice tonight; he told me to act fast.”
The alleged incident has drawn widespread attention online, with FUTA students and well-wishers rallying support and tagging authorities, including the police and Governor Usman Ododo. However, official confirmation from security operatives is yet to be received, and authorities have not commented on the report.
The episode highlights the persistent security risks along the Kabba highway, a known hotspot for kidnappings and highway robberies.
