Africa’s youngest billionaire, Mohammed Dewji is released from captivity

Mohammed Dewji, who is Africa’s youngest billionaire, has been freed, 10 days after he was kidnapped in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania by armed men.

The 43-year-old businessman tweeted to his company METL Group’s account that he was “home safely.”

“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, who made his fortune from textiles, manufacturing, flour milling, edible oils and beverages, was reportedly freed in the early hours of Saturday, October 20, by dumping him in a field.

Although it is not clear if ransom was paid, his release came after the family of Tanzanian billionaire offered a 1bn Tanzania shilling ($440,000; £330,000) reward for information that would lead to his rescue.

More than 20 people had been detained in connection with the abduction before his release.