A shocking incident has emerged from Abuja, where Mary Moore, widow of an American citizen, was kidnapped on September 8, 2025, in Wuse Zone 3. Moore was on her way to board an evening flight to Lagos for her scheduled US immigration visa interview, but her journey was cut short in the most terrifying way.
According to Moore, her initial Air Peace flight was set for 4:30 PM but later rescheduled to 8:30 PM. While waiting, she stopped at Zone 3 to exchange about $2,000 for her trip.
At around 5:30 PM, while trying to book a ride to the airport, poor network service left her stranded. Suddenly, an unknown man tapped her shoulder, and before she could react, another sprayed a chemical substance on her face, leaving her disoriented.
She was then bundled into a Toyota Sienna, already filled with other victims, and driven toward Keffi in Nasarawa State.
“I became unconscious and disoriented after they sprayed the chemical. By the time I regained some awareness, I found myself among other captives,” Moore recalled.
Moore explained that the kidnappers discovered documents in her bag labeled “Property of the United States Government.” Believing she was American, they separated her from the others, demanding ransom in dollars.
She was forced to reveal the cash she carried, which temporarily eased the threats against her. Unlike other victims who faced beatings, Moore said she was treated with “slight dignity” after complying.
During captivity, the kidnappers constantly relocated her — from Keffi to Kubwa and back to Abuja. They sprayed chemicals frequently to keep her hypnotised and compliant.
Her ATM cards were used to withdraw money from her accounts, including about ₦200,000 from her OPay wallet. Despite the ordeal, her visa documents were left untouched, though her other belongings were stolen.
On September 9, 2025, Moore was finally released in Kubwa, barefoot and disoriented. Strangely, her captors handed her ₦30,000 for transport fare before letting her go.
She immediately reported the incident to the Byazhin Police Station, which escalated the case to the FCT Anti-Kidnapping Squad. As of now, the suspects remain at large.
“I felt hypnotised the entire time, like I was under a spell. I couldn’t raise an alarm or resist. They moved me around, withdrew my money, and yet spared my life,” Moore said.
A Wake-Up Call for Abuja Residents
This incident highlights the growing insecurity in Nigeria’s capital city, where kidnappings have become disturbingly frequent. For Moore, what should have been a hopeful journey toward a new chapter in life turned into a nightmare that will not be easily forgotten.
Jamflash will keep you updated as this story develops.
