The kidnapping of an Ilorin-based Muslim cleric, named Mohammadu Buhari Jamiu, sparked fear in the early hours of Friday in Ilorin, Kwara State's capital.
A videotape with the inscription 'Buhari Omo Musa' in the backdrop has gone viral, claiming he was taken at his home in Ilorin in the early hours of Friday.
However, contrary to common belief, the genuinely popular and prolific preacher, Buhari Omomusa, is safe, alive and healthy.
The voice of the purportedly abducted cleric's wife could be heard in the background of the viral video footage pleading for help in order for the family to pay the N5m ransom requested by the mystery kidnappers.
Another male voice in the videotape said that the mystery kidnappers allegedly sought N30 million in ransom, which was reduced to N5 million following talks.
The kidnapping situation confused Buhari Omomusa admirers, who voiced their concern and begged for his safe return from the abductors.
While some members of the public believe the development is a case of mistaken identity due to identical names, others believe it is a hoax intended to defraud the public and the government.
In a radio interview, Buhari Omomusa denied the claim, stating he was safe and that no kidnapping had occurred.
When reached by phone on Friday, the state Police Command's spokesperson, SP Okasanmi Ajayi, branded the video footage as fake.
He said “The Alhaji Tunde Buhari that was kidnapped in Oluwalose Community in Oko-Olowo area of Ilorin, had been rescued and made public.
“Even the second victim kidnapped alongside Tunde Buhari has also been rescued,” he added.
The two rescued victims were reportedly kidnapped lately in the Oko-Olowo neighbourhood of Ilorin, the state capital.