Tanzanian Billionaire, Mohammed Dewji, Returns Home Safely After Being Kidnapped
Africa's youngest billionaire has been released, 10 days after being taken outside of a hotel in Dar es Salaam.
Mohammed Dewji, Africa's youngest billionaire, has been released from kidnappers following his abduction on October 11.
The businessman, also known as Mo, announced in a tweet shared on his company MeTL Group's page on Saturday, that he had "returned home safely" and thanked "fellow Tanzanians, and everyone around the world for their prayers."
January Makamba, the country's environment minister, says Dewji was left near the the Gymkhana club in Dar es Salam. Dewji had bruises on his arms and legs due to being tied, reports BBC Africa. Makamba gave an update on his friend's health via Twitter, stating that "in his voice he's the usual Mo. So he is okay."
Mohammed Dewji @moodewji is now back home safely. I have just spoken to him and his father 20 minutes ago. In his v… https://t.co/n2a8cbW2Hp— January Makamba (@January Makamba)1539996381.0
According to CNN, Dewji attended a press conference after being found around 3:15 am. It is not known whether a ransom was paid for Dewji's release.
With a net worth of 1.5 billion, according to Forbes, Dewji is Tanzania's richest man. He served two terms in parliament before taking on his family's business full time.
Dewji was seized by gunmen outside of the upscale Colosseum Hotel in the neighborhood of Oyster Bay as he was headed to workout. Dewji, nicknamed Mo, is not known to travel with security.
Following his abduction, his family offered a $437,000 reward for information that would lead to his safe return.
“I thank Allah that I have returned home safely. I thank all my fellow Tanzanians, and everyone around the world fo… https://t.co/NMHiwIQMBt— Mo Dewji Foundation (@Mo Dewji Foundation)1540005153.0
Folks have been reacting to Dewji's release on social media since Saturday, with many expressing thanks for his safe return, and some claiming that, to them, it seems the story doesn't quite add up. Some have even offered their own theories on what happened to Dewji.
Here is some of what people are saying:
President Magufuli knows who kidnapped @MoDewji. A high profile dollar billionaire just disappears like that? Those… https://t.co/BcjJRBBhDX— Robert ALAI, HSC (@Robert ALAI, HSC)1539317644.0
The story of Mohammed Dewji and what the police in Tanzania have been saying doesn't add up. https://t.co/8QslNeegaX— juma 🇰🇪 (@juma 🇰🇪)1540027530.0
@MeTL_Group People from Rwanda we are very Happy for your coming back. Thanks Lord for your Protection. I love you… https://t.co/it7UqsVGkU— DEO (@DEO)1540018738.0
Following the release of @moodewji by his captors yesterday at 2am, Tanzanians on social media have followed live u… https://t.co/jMnCb3NFL4— Maria Sarungi Tsehai (@Maria Sarungi Tsehai)1540094105.0
Just spoke to @moodewji I’m super happy. God is great🙏🏾🙏🏾— Flaviana Matata (@Flaviana Matata)1539998369.0