Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, an eye specialist at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, has been freed after 10 months in captivity.
Dr. Popoola was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, alongside her husband, Squadron Leader Nurudeen Popoola, and her nephew, Folaranmi Abdul-Mugniy.
Though her husband was released earlier in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remained captive until their release on October 30, 2024.
Confirming her release, Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors President, Tope Osundara, told Daily Trust, “Yes, it is true. It happened today (Wednesday). For now, we have insulated her from the public, allowing only limited access to her.”
He also clarified that no ransom was paid to secure her freedom, saying, “No ransom was paid at all.”
During Dr. Popoola’s prolonged captivity, the medical community launched the “#BringBackDrGaniyat” campaign on social media to pressure the government for her release.
In August, NARD doctors staged peaceful protests, carrying signs that read, “Free Dr Ganiyat Popoola, help bring Ganiyat home safely” and “Doctors are crying, help us save her.”
At the time, Dr. Lanre-Aremo Babajide, President of the Association of Resident Doctors at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, voiced their demands, saying, “Our demand is simple: we want the government to intervene and secure our colleague, Dr. Popoola’s, release from captivity. If she’s not rescued by August 26, we will embark on an indefinite strike as directed by our national body, NARD.”
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, also sent a letter to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, appealing for urgent intervention to secure Dr. Popoola’s release.
