How I Was Kidnapped and Robbed in Romania – Wole Soyinka

Nobel Laureate and globally celebrated writer, Wole Soyinka, has shared a shocking personal experience of being kidnapped and robbed in Bucharest, Romania.

The revered playwright had traveled to Romania for the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, one of the world’s most prominent performing arts gatherings, where he was to be specially honoured for his immense contribution to literature and theatre.

According to Soyinka, he landed in Bucharest Airport after midnight and boarded what appeared to be a legitimate taxi, supposedly heading to his booked accommodation at the Novotel Hotel.

However, the journey took a frightening turn. Speaking during an interview with TheNews in Lagos, Soyinka disclosed that midway to the hotel, the driver suddenly diverted from the main route and drove into a deserted, poorly lit area.

At about 1:00 a.m., the driver halted the car and shockingly produced a POS machine, ordering the Nobel Laureate to input his bank PIN. Soyinka recounted:

“He kept covering the POS screen, preventing me from seeing the amount I was expected to confirm. For nearly half an hour, I intentionally keyed in the wrong digits, hoping that within that time, a passerby or hotel staff might come to my rescue. But the environment was completely deserted.”

This frightening encounter led to a tense standoff between the renowned playwright and the driver. Despite Soyinka’s attempt to resist, the attacker insisted until finally abandoning him near the vicinity of his hotel. Unfortunately, the robbery left him dispossessed of his money.

Reflecting on the incident, Soyinka said:

“It’s not just about the money. While I dislike losing money, for me this experience was far deeper. It represents an attack not only on me as an individual but also on the entire community.”

This disturbing ordeal highlights the risks international travelers sometimes face, even when they rely on what seems like official airport taxis. Security experts often advise travelers to verify taxi credentials or use reputable ride-hailing services.

For further context, BBC News and other global outlets have reported similar security issues in Eastern Europe, underscoring the importance of vigilance.