In a tweet from his official Twitter handle few hours ago, Mohammed Dewji - the current youngest billionaire in Africa who was kidnapped last week outside a luxury hotel in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania when he arrived for his usual morning workout has confirmed his release.
Mo Dewji Foundation @DewjiFoundation“I thank Allah that I have returned home safely. I thank all my fellow Tanzanians, and everyone around the world for their prayers. I thank the authorities of Tanzania, including the Police Force for working for my safe return.” — Mohammed Dewji (3:15AM, Dar es Salaam)
Mohammed Dewji, the CEO of the METL Group and Africa's youngest billionaire, has returned home safely, the family company he runs has announced. He was released 10 days after his abduction.
Mohammed Dewji, the 43-year-old is the CEO of the METL Group family conglomerate.
Dewji, who has been described as Africa's youngest billionaire, was abducted at gunpoint. As one of Tanzania's most prominent businessmen, Dewji's abduction caused major consternation in the east African country.
The news of his return has been welcomed with joy around Africa and the world in general.
Neither he nor the company provided details about how he was freed or managed to escape his captors.
Tanzania's environment minister, January Makamba, also said he had spoken with Dewji and that he was safe.
Dewji, who once also served as a member of parliament, was freed after kidnappers dumped him in a field in the early hours of Saturday, according to Makamba. He reportedly only sustained bruises on his hands and feet from being tied up by his abductors.
Dewji's family had offered a reward of 1 billion Tanzania shillings ($440,000, €381,600) for any information leading to his release.
The METL Group specializes in a diverse range of industries across 11 African nations, boasting billions of dollars in revenue in the process. The company's scope encompasses manufacturing, farming, transport, infrastructure, agro-processing and telecoms.
Dewji is also the main shareholder in Tanzania's Simba FC football club.