VENO tv AGONY OF AN ALHAJA AT 60: MOSQUE OWNER CELEBRATION TURNS TO TEARS By Kayode Adoide
Date: 13-12-25
A prominent Alhaja and mosque owner in Atan, Ogun State, is currently languishing in police custody on her 60th birthday, following her alleged involvement—unknowingly—in a kidnapping ransom transaction that has since led to tragic consequences.
According to information available to VENO tv, the Alhaja had earlier spotted a strange man loitering at the entrance of her mosque. Upon questioning, the man claimed he was formerly employed by a pampas company, but was dismissed alongside colleagues after reporting theft. He further stated that his wife, who resides abroad, intended to send him money to process his travel documents but could not do so because his bank account had allegedly been blocked.
The Alhaja reportedly declined his request, explaining that the mosque account could not be used due to procedural requirements involving multiple signatories.
However, unknown to her, her son Jamal later encountered the same man. After listening to his story, Jamal allegedly pitied him and released his mother’s personal account number without her knowledge.
Shortly thereafter, the sum of ?3 million, believed to be ransom money paid by relatives of kidnapped victims, was paid into the Alhaja’s account. Investigations revealed that Jamal allegedly took his mother’s ATM card, withdrew the money, and was reportedly compensated with ?100,000 for facilitating the transaction.
Within hours of the transaction, security operatives tracked the account, stormed the Alhaja’s shop, and arrested her. She was handcuffed and taken into custody, where she reportedly narrated her ordeal in tears, insisting she had no knowledge of the transaction.
A close friend of the Alhaja, who requested anonymity, told VENO tv:
> “I received a call that she had a serious case. When I got there, it became a painful lesson on the need to monitor our children closely.”
The source added that the Alhaja, described as caring and generous, bitterly wept while explaining that the account originally belonged to her late husband.
It was further gathered that Jamal has absconded since the incident and is currently on the run.
In a dramatic twist, the mother of one of the kidnapped victims, who was later confirmed dead despite the payment of ransom, reportedly attacked the Alhaja upon sighting her with detectives.
Although the Alhaja pleaded to refund the money, her appeal was unsuccessful. She remains in custody as investigations continue.
Tragically, her 60th birthday celebration, for which friends and relatives had already purchased Aso Ebi, was abruptly cancelled.
Security sources also confirmed that the kidnapped victims whose ransom was traced to the account were killed by their abductors despite the ?3 million payment.
LESSON & WARNING
As we approach the yuletide season, members of the public are strongly advised:
Do not release your bank account details to unknown persons
Do not hand over your ATM card to anyone
Be vigilant and closely monitor children and wards
May we not become victims in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Investigation is ongoing as authorities intensify efforts to locate other suspects connected to the kidnapping syndicate.