A shocking account shared on a live radio programme has alleged that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji named a baby born in his captivity after himself and subsequently increased the ransom demanded from the child's family.
The claim was made by a caller during a broadcast on Brekete Family Radio, where the victim's relative recounted the family's ordeal.
According to the caller, the woman was abducted by armed bandits while pregnant and was later taken to a camp controlled by Turji. While in captivity, she reportedly gave birth to a baby boy.
The relative alleged that Turji personally organized a naming ceremony for the newborn and chose to name the child after himself.
In a further twist, the bandit leader was said to have purchased a ram and made other arrangements for the ceremony. However, rather than covering the expenses himself, he allegedly added the cost of the event to the ransom being demanded from the family.
The caller claimed that the family was informed that the money spent on the naming ceremony would be recovered through an increase in the ransom payment required to secure the release of the woman and her child.
The revelation has sparked outrage among listeners, with many describing the alleged act as both disturbing and unbelievable.
Bello Turji is one of Nigeria's most wanted bandit leaders and has been linked to numerous attacks, kidnappings, and violent crimes across communities in the North-West region.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities have not publicly commented on the specific allegation, and the account remains based on testimony provided during the radio broadcast.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the growing humanitarian impact of banditry and kidnapping activities in affected parts of the country, where victims and their families often endure prolonged periods of trauma while negotiating for their freedom.