Authorities of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) last night confirmed the release of kidnap kingpin , Hamisu Bala (aka Wadume) from its Correctional Centre in Kuje on Friday.
According to officials of the NCoS, Bala was set free because he had completed his seven-year prison term.
“We didn’t not issue a press statement on his release,” said James Okoh, deputy spokesman of the NCoS.
Justice Binta Nyako sentenced Wadume to seven years imprisonment in 2022 but his sentence was backdated to August 2019 when he was first arrested.
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Wadume was reportedly welcomed to his hometown, Ibbi in Taraba State on Sunday by a large crowd. He also visited the traditional ruler of his village to thank him for standing by him throughout his trials.
A resident of the town said the town stood at standstill for Wadume, who was described as a philanthropist and local politician before his arrest.
He was driven round the town and thereafter proceeded to visit the Chief of Ibbi chiefdom, Alhaji Salihu Danbawuro, at his palace.
Wadume told the traditional ruler that he was at the palace to thank the chief and the entire people of his chiefdom.
He said throughout his trial, the chief and his subjects stood firmly with him and prayed for his safety and good health while in prison.
The chief, Danbawuro, told Wadume that he and his subjects were happy that he was out of prison.
Wadume was arrested by operatives of the Intelligence Response Team of Inspector-General of Police in 2019 but he escaped in a controversial circumstance after exchange of guns between policemen and soldiers attached to 93 Battalion Ibbi/Takum Road in Taraba State.
The IRT team was taking him to Abuja when the soldiers attacked them. Three of the team members were killed in the process.
Wadume was later arrested in Kano by police detectives and put on trial.
