by ‘Jola Sotubo

The recent release of Auguster Douglas-Ayam, sister to Oronto Douglas, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Research, Strategy and Documentation, has been revealed to have come at a very steep price.

According to the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), a ransom of $200,000 was paid to it to secure the release of Mrs Douglas-Ayam.

The ransom was initially placed at N500 million but MEND has said that the ransom was reviewed and it received the sum of $200,000 instead.

Nigerian Eye reports:

In an online statement last night signed by the spokesperson of the militant group, Jomo Gbomo, MEND gave graphic details of how the refinery in Warri, Delta state was attacked on October 22, leading to an explosion.

It also vowed to continue attacking oil installations in the Niger Delta region.

The militant group said: “The sister of Mr. Oronto Douglas was released unharmed, as we promised. She, however, had developed high blood pressure and malaria while in captivity.

“Contrary to the claim by the Douglas family that no ransom was paid, MEND can authoritatively confirm that the sum of $200,000 was paid as ransom.”