Kidnapped former NFA scribe Sani Toro freed
Ahmed Sani Toro, the former secretary-general of the defunct Nigerian Football Association has been freed by his captors. Also freed are former Nigeria under-23 assistant coach Garba Ila and Isa Jah, both of whom were kidnapped too. The trio were driving from Abuja to Bauchi, having attended the wedding of former NFF president Aminu Maigari’s son on Saturday.
According to the BBC, a police spokesperson confirmed their release without saying whether ransom payment was made.
Soon after the abduction a source close to the family told BBC Sport Africa: “They’ve been speaking to one of Toro’s children and making some ridiculous ransom demand which might be very difficult for them to get.
“It’s very sad because Garba Ila had been hospitalised recently and is not in good shape.
“These guys don’t have money but are being held at gunpoint by this heartless people. It’s very sad.”
Ahmed Sani Toro spent six years in his role at what is now known as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) between 1993 and 1999.
He was the secretary-general of the Nigeria Football Association when the Super Eagles won their second African Cup of Nations title in 1994 and qualified for their maiden World Cup finals same year.
Toro played a huge administrative role – including during bonus rows involving the NFA and players – at the 1996 Olympics football event and the 1998 World Cup in France.
A former commissioner for sports in the northern Nigerian state of Bauchi, Toro also served as a member of the state’s House of Representatives.
