The abduction of 5-year-old Memunah Abdulrahman occurred on March 9, 2025, while she was returning from an Islamic school with her elder sister in the Ejigbo area of Lagos State. The suspected kidnapper approached the girls at a supermarket, pretending to buy them items, before allegedly taking Memunah away. A report was lodged at the Ejigbo Divisional Police Headquarters, and CCTV footage showed the suspect taking the child away in a tricycle.
Following the abduction, the Lagos State Police Command's then spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the Commissioner of Police had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case. Despite this, Memunah's whereabouts remain unknown over a year later. Her family has struggled with debts and financial losses incurred during the search for her.
The family received a ransom demand from the suspected kidnappers months after the abduction. They sent over N140,000 in two tranches, but Memunah was not returned. A police officer assisting the family introduced them to a tracker who helped trace the account into which the ransom was paid.
The situation worsened when the family was allegedly attacked at their Lagos apartment while trying to apprehend suspects in Abeokuta. The attackers threw a chemical substance into the apartment and stole their phones and ATM cards. The family believes this incident may be related to Memunah's abduction.
Due to mounting debts and unpaid rent, the family eventually relocated to Ogun State. The father, Alimi Abdulrahman, sold his motorcycle and incurred significant debt to try to find Memunah. The family's financial difficulties prevented them from pursuing some legal and investigative avenues.
Memunah's mother, Bashirah, expressed frustration over the family's inability to secure her release despite CCTV footage capturing the suspect. The family appealed to members of the public and relevant authorities to assist in finding Memunah and bringing her home. Some individuals have raised money to help the family secure their current accommodation in Ogun State.
The family alleges that a key suspect apprehended by the Oodua People's Congress was later released after promising to provide information about Memunah's whereabouts, but he and his family have since disappeared. The family continues to struggle and seeks support from the public to find Memunah.
Key points
- The family of abducted 5-year-old Memunah Abdulrahman has relocated to Ogun State due to financial struggles and an alleged attack on their Lagos home.
- Despite receiving a ransom demand and paying over N140,000, Memunah's whereabouts remain unknown over a year after her abduction.
- The family appeals to the public and authorities for assistance in finding Memunah and bringing her home.
