While clarifying the situation, the military verified that an abduction did indeed take place involving travelers moving from the Sububu forest region in Bakura Local Government Area in the direction of Talata Mafara.

Speaking on Sunday through a statement, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba—the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 8 Division/Sector 2 under Operation FANSAN YAMMA—categorically dismissed the reports tying the incident to Yari’s property as entirely false and misleading.

According to military intelligence, the victims were seized while in transit along the Sububu forest axis toward Talata Mafara rather than at the former governor’s residence. Security forces, alongside allied agencies and local intelligence teams, have ramped up tactical operations in the region to track down and rescue the victims.

In light of the incident, the Army has cautioned citizens against spreading unverified or sensational details that might trigger widespread panic or hinder ongoing security efforts. Osoba urged the public to completely ignore distorted narratives that could jeopardize tactical missions or cause undue alarm.

In the originating motion filed on September 9 by his counsel, Anderson Asemota, Arabambi—represented alongside the Vice Chancellor as respondents—stated that his formal request for a Certified True Copy (CTC) of Obi’s 1984 Bachelor of Arts degree certificate in Philosophy (certificate number D000198) was ignored. He noted that the application, submitted under the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, 2011 on August 6 following an initial letter, was neither granted nor formally declined with a written notice of refusal within the statutory timeframe prescribed by the law. Consequently, the suit seeks an order of mandamus to compel the university to fulfill its statutory duty by responding to his July 16 request.

These details were formally communicated through a press statement issued by Humwashi Wonosikou, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri. The late elder statesman is survived by two wives and 18 children, a family legacy that includes Awwal Tukur, who currently serves as the Secretary to the Adamawa State Government.