Abuja, April 11, 2025 — The All Progressives Congress (APC) has shut down operations at its national secretariat in Abuja following the tragic death of its Director of Administration, Hon. Lateef AbdulRaif Adeniji, who was kidnapped by bandits nearly two months ago.
According to multiple sources, Adeniji was abducted in Abuja, and despite the payment of ₦50 million in ransom by the party, he was reportedly killed by his captors. Investigations revealed that the senior party official had already been murdered approximately a month before the ransom was successfully mobilized and delivered.
In a memo dated April 10, 2025, and signed by the Deputy Director of Administration, Ubagba Abel, the party officially announced the closure of the national secretariat as a mark of respect and mourning.
The internal circular, titled “Secretariat Closure for the Mourning of the Director of Administration”, read in part:
“The National Secretary has approved the closure of the National Secretariat from all party/work activities with immediate effect till Monday, 14th April 2025.
“This decision was made after he had received the news of the sad demise of the Director of Administration, Late Hon. AbdulRaif Adekunle Adeniji.
“All staff are advised to use this period of mourning for sober reflection and prayers for the family and loved ones.”
Shock and Grief Across Political Circles
The killing of Adeniji, a key figure in the party’s administrative operations, has sent shockwaves through political and civil society circles, reigniting national concerns over rampant insecurity and rising kidnapping-for-ransom cases, particularly in and around the Federal Capital Territory.
While the APC has not yet issued a public statement beyond the internal memo, party insiders and political figures have begun to express their condolences, while also demanding answers on the slow pace of response and the failure to rescue Adeniji in time.
Calls have also intensified for security agencies to act swiftly in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.
Rising Insecurity in the Capital
Adeniji’s murder adds to a disturbing pattern of abductions targeting high-profile individuals in Abuja and across Nigeria, further highlighting the urgent need for reform and reinforcement of the country’s security architecture.
As at press time, there has been no official briefing from the Nigeria Police Force or the Department of State Services (DSS) regarding the investigation into the incident or arrests made in connection with the killing.
