{
  "id": 16387819,
  "title": "How AI-generated photo cost kidnap victim N4m ransom – Freed Benue graduate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/how-ai-generated-photo-cost-kidnap-victim-n4m-ransom-freed-benue",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-24T23:26:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/how-ai-generated-photo-cost-kidnap-victim-n4m-ransom-freed-benue-graduate/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ibi Phillip, a Benue State University graduate, recounts his harrowing experience as he and 11 other travelers were abducted in Edo State and held captive for nine days in the forest. The kidnapping occurred on September 30, 2026, when Phillip and his companions were riding a bus operated by Benue Links Nigeria Limited to the NYSC orientation camp in Akure, Ondo State. Armed men stopped the bus, ordering the passengers to lie on the ground and take their belongings. They led the group into the forest, where they spent two days traveling before reaching their destination.\n\nPhillip remained calm during the ordeal, believing that God was in control and praying for his safety. After nine days of captivity, the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N15 million. Phillip's father could only raise N2 million, which was paid to the kidnappers. The ransom demand differed from victim to victim, with one man paying N4 million due to his ability to dress himself like a doctor, convincing the kidnappers he was a medical professional. No one was killed during the captivity, but victims faced brutal torture, starvation, and dehydration.",
  "summary": "A freed Benue State University graduate recounts how he was kidnapped in Edo State and how an AI-generated photo cost another victim a N4m ransom. Read More: https://punchng.com/how-ai-generated-photo-cost-kidnap-victim-n4m-ransom-freed-benue-graduate/",
  "key_points": [
    "Benue State University graduate Ibi Phillip abducted with 11 others on September 30, 2026",
    "Kidnappers demanded N15 million ransom, Phillip's father could raise only N2 million",
    "Ransom varied by victim, one man paid N4 million by dressing like a doctor"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}