Sheikh Ahmad Sulaiman, a popular Quranic Reciter who regularly offered supplications for President Muhammadu Buhari at campaign rallies, been released on Tuesday by his abductors after 12 days in their custody.

A member of the family, simply known as Mallam Kabir told PRNigeria that the Sheikh was released in Katsina.

“We are glad our Mallam and others have been released and they are in good condition in Katsina State with security agencies as we await their arrival in Kano. We thank Allah for softening the hearts of his abductors for setting them free,” Kabir said.

Confirming the development to PRNigeria, the spokesperson of Katsina State Police Command, Mr Isah Gambo said Sheikh Sulaiman and other Islamic scholars who were abducted with him have all been released by abductors adding that no ransom was paid.

The eminent religious scholar was kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Katsina State while returning from a religious function in Kebbi on his way to Kano last Thursday.

He was abducted alongside four other religious preachers, along Sheme-Kankara road in Katsina.

The release of the abducted scholar has relieved his family members and students weeks of stress and depression. They had wondered why the kidnappers would abduct a religious teacher who is not a politician or wealthy personality, describing the incident as “very disturbing and worrisome.”

Many of his students described Sheikh Sulaiman as a soft-spoken, kind, generous and humble religious leader who likes to assist the needy. He always preaches about religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence as he totally condemns extremism.

In an audio clip obtained immediately after his abduction by PRNigeria, the kidnappers demanded a colossal sum of N300 million as ransom from the family of the revered cleric before releasing him from their hideout. (PRNigeria)