The kidnapped Olori Ilu of Imope, Imope-Ijebu in Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Chief Tajudeen Omotayo, has regained freedom.

Omotayo was abducted on Saturday afternoon while returning from Ijebu Ode.

He was reported to have been mercilessly beaten, and has since been hospitalised for treatment at an undisclosed hospital.

A source told newsmen that the Chief was released to his family members at about 8.00pm on Tuesday after a N5.5 million ransom was paid.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed that the community leader has been released, but denied knowledge of payment of any ransom.

The PPRO said the State Commissioner of Police, Edward Ajogun, was at Ijebu-Igbo, till about 7.00pm on Tuesday over the case.

He said, “The community leader has been released. The Commissioner of Police, myself and other police officers were in Ijebu Igbo till about 7pm yesterday (Tuesday). I am not aware of payment of any ransom.”