Abduction of Newman Ubani shrouded in mystery, fear

Hon. Newman Ubani, a journalist and former media adviser to a past Governor in one of Nigeria’s south-east states, was reportedly kidnapped from his residence in Asokoro, Abuja, on January 2, 2024.

This alarming development has cast a shadow over the safety and security of public figures in the region.

A source close to Hon. Ubani, who requested anonymity, disclosed to journalists that the kidnapping might have been preceded by a series of ominous death threats received by Hon. Ubani from an unknown number.

Adding to the distress, the source revealed that Hon. Ubani’s parents were tragically assassinated in their village, Umuocha in Obingwa LGA of Abia State, underlining a possible pattern of targeted violence against his family.

Efforts to gather further details from Hon. Ubani’s wife have been futile as her whereabouts, along with that of other family members, remain unknown. The uncertainty surrounding their safety intensifies the urgency of the situation.

Authorities are investigating the kidnapping, but it has not yet been determined whether the motive behind the abduction is political. Given Hon. Ubani’s past political affiliations and his role in the media, speculations arise regarding the nature of the threats and the identity of the perpetrators.

The police are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigations. The community and colleagues of Hon. Ubani are deeply concerned, hoping for his safe return and calling for increased protection for public figures and journalists at risk of political violence.

This incident highlights the volatile security environment in Nigeria, where political figures and journalists often find themselves under threat. The need for decisive action to safeguard these individuals is more pressing than ever