Ahmed Abubakar Zakka, his wife and infant daughter have not been publicly confirmed released following their abduction from Millennium City in Kaduna State, as concern grows over a ₦300 million ransom demand communicated during their captivity.
A video from captivity shows Zakka appealing for help and saying those holding the family were demanding ₦300 million for their release.
The demand is supported by his own recorded account.
There is, however, no verified evidence reviewed by IDNN showing that the money has been paid, transferred or negotiated down.
Family abducted from Millennium City
Zakka, his wife and their infant daughter were abducted from Alrahus Estate in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Published reports differ over the precise calendar date of the attack, placing it around the night of October 5 and the early hours of October 6.
Because that discrepancy remains unresolved, IDNN is not treating the exact date as settled.
Reports also differ on the infant’s age, describing the child as either three months or six months old.
IDNN is therefore referring to her as the couple’s infant daughter until her age is independently confirmed.
Latest family account says infant is alive
A family source said on Thursday that the baby was alive, rejecting social-media claims that the child had died.
That account has not been independently verified by IDNN, but it is the latest family-sourced update reviewed on the child’s condition.
There has been no authoritative public announcement confirming the release of the family.
₦300m demand does not establish payment
In the captivity video, Zakka says ₦300 million is being demanded for the family’s release.
That establishes the reported demand.
It does not establish that any ransom has been paid.
IDNN has not independently verified any payment, transfer or concluded negotiation.
A ransom demand is not proof of ransom payment.
Police arrests not linked to this case
Kaduna police have separately announced arrests during operations around Millennium City and surrounding areas.
But the available police reporting reviewed by IDNN does not establish that any of those suspects were involved in the abduction of Zakka and his family.
That distinction is critical.
Arrest does not establish involvement in this specific case unless investigators make the connection directly.
What remains unknown
Several important questions remain unresolved.
There is no independently established public account of where the family is being held, whether formal negotiations are taking place or whether money has changed hands.
The family’s precise condition beyond the latest relative’s account also remains uncertain.
IDNN is withholding any operational information that could compromise efforts to secure their safe return.
The accountability question
The immediate priority is the safe recovery of the family.
Beyond that, authorities face questions about how attackers were able to abduct residents from a residential estate in Millennium City and what measures have been taken since the incident to protect residents.
Any later claim of rescue, arrest, ransom payment or change in the family’s condition will require direct verification before publication.
For now, the strongest supported position is that the family was abducted, a ₦300 million ransom demand was communicated in captivity, and no public authority has confirmed their release.
