Hamisu Bala also known as Wadume, a notorious kidnapping leader whom some soldiers reportedly assisted to escape arrest in 2019 in Taraba State and later rearrested by the police, has completed the jail terms he was convicted for the Nigerian government.
Wadume, who was alleged to be behind high profile abduction cases in Taraba before his arrest by operatives of Intelligence Response Team of Inspector-General of Police, was released on Friday by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
The convict, who had earlier escaped during a gun-duel between the police operatives and military personnel attached to 93 Battalion Ibbi/Takum Road in Taraba State, was later arrested in Kano by police detectives and put on trial.
The IRT team was taking him to Abuja when the soldiers attacked them. Three of the team members were killed in the process.
He was later sentence to seven years in prison by court.
Confirming Wadume’s release, the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) on Sunday confirmed his release from the Correctional Centre in Kuje on Friday.
NCoS officials explained that Wadume was released after he had completed his seven-year prison term slammed against him by the court during his trial.
“We didn’t not issue a press statement on his release,” said James Okoh, deputy spokesman of the NCoS.
Meanwhile, a large crowd welcomed the kidnap kingpin to his hometown in Ibbi, Taraba State, on Sunday.
It was gathered that the convict was ferried into Ibbi through river Benue, where he was received by thousands of people, including youths and women.
A resident of Ibbi town, Musa Garba, said the town was at standstill for Wadume.
Garba said the elderly and youths trooped out to receive Wadume by the river side and from there he went through the town before retiring to his house.
Another resident simply identified as Nuhu said, “We are in festive mood as Wadume regained his freedom and now out of prison and now with us in his home town Ibbi.”
Meanwhile, Wadumi has visited the Chief of Ibbi chiefdom, Alhaji Salihu Danbawuro, at his palace.
Wadume told the chief 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, Saliha Danbawuro, told Wadume that he and his subjects were happy that he is out of prison.
“I and the entire people of Ibbi chiefdom are happy that Hamisu Wadume is now back in Ibbi his home town,” the chief said.
