An Edo State man, Segirus Were, who was abducted alongside his pregnant wife, Zainab, has regained his freedom after spending about 60 days in the custody of kidnappers.
Were was released by his captors on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, according to reports. A video circulating on social media shows him surrounded by individuals believed to be his relatives and friends, appearing relieved and in high spirits despite the traumatic experience.
In the footage, Were drew attention to his appearance, saying, “This my dress is white jalabia, is white colour, but it has turned black,” an apparent reference to the harsh and unhygienic conditions he endured while in captivity.
Segirus Were was reportedly kidnapped on November 22, 2025, at Aviele community near Auchi, in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. Following the abduction, the kidnappers released a distressing video showing Were and his pregnant wife pleading for help, while demanding a ₦50 million ransom for their release. Reports later indicated that the family was only able to raise about ₦7 million.
Zainab was subsequently released after a ransom was reportedly paid, while Were remained in captivity, sparking widespread concern and debate over his prolonged detention.
The case later took a controversial turn following allegations that activist Harrison Gwamnishu diverted ₦5.4 million from the ransom funds meant to secure Were’s release. Gwamnishu has consistently denied the allegation.
The disagreement between the family and the activist reportedly complicated negotiations with the kidnappers and prolonged Were’s stay in captivity, further fuelling public outrage and intense social media debate over the handling of the case.
As of the time of filing this report, the Edo State Police Command had not issued an official statement regarding the circumstances surrounding Were’s release.
