Peace Onyesom Udoka, a newly called-to-bar lawyer, and her sister, Gift Onyesom, have regained their freedom after being kidnapped while returning from their Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja.

The sisters were released near Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, according to activist Harrison Gwamnishu.

The kidnapping occurred along the Abuja-Benin route around Lokoja, Kogi State, a highway notorious for frequent abductions. The sisters were last in contact with their family around noon on Friday, September 26, 2025.

Initially, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N40 million, later reducing it to N20 million per person. The family reportedly could only raise N7 million, which the abductors rejected. Despite this, the sisters were safely released following intense appeals and pressure from their family, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and lawyers, who also called on Edo State authorities and security agencies to intervene.

Udoka, a graduate of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, and the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus, was celebrating her birthday on the day of her release, adding a poignant touch to their safe return.

Gwamnishu shared the news on Facebook, writing: “FREEDOM ON HER BIRTHDAY. Peace Onyesom Udoka and Gift Onyesom, kidnapped while returning from Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja, have just been released to us at a village near Okpella. It’s a tough journey. Details later today or tomorrow morning.”

At the time of filing this report, TheNigeriaLawyer could not verify if ransom was paid for their release.

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