Family Pleads for Help — Owerri Lawyer Abducted, Remains Missing After ₦2.1 Million Ransom Paid

Ucheagwu Jeffrey Lotanna, Esq., an Owerri-based lawyer and active member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Young Lawyers Forum, Anaocha Branch, was reportedly kidnapped along the Owerri–Imo State axis on October 16, 2025.

Jeffrey, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in November 2019 and formerly affiliated with the NBA Barnawa Branch in Kaduna State, was reportedly contacted by his abductors through his phone. His family was initially asked to pay a ransom of ₦10 million, which was later negotiated to ₦2.1 million.

According to information obtained by KubwaExpress, after the ransom payment was made into the account provided by the kidnappers, Jeffrey’s phone went off, and he has remained unreachable since then.

A family member appealed to the public and relevant authorities for assistance. “There’s been no communication, no update, and no trace of his whereabouts. We are pleading with everyone to help escalate this matter and bring it to the attention of authorities who can intervene for his safe release,” said his brother, Henry Ucheagwu.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Henry at 0703 839 2513.