Leading Tanzanian opposition activist Mdude Nyagali, who was abducted last Saturday by masked gunmen, has been found dumped in a bush near a village in the south-western Mbeya region.
Reports say he appeared to have been tortured, weak, and had difficulty speaking.
He was taken to hospital for treatment.
Mr. Nyagali is a member of the main opposition Chadema party and a fierce critic of President John Magufuli.
Chadema accused police of abducting him from his office on Saturday. Police denied the allegation.
The 43-year-old tycoon, who made his fortune in textile manufacturing, flour milling, beverages, and edible oils, revealed that he was “home safely” in a tweet posted to his company METL Group’s account.
Tanzania’s Minister of Environment confirmed that he was unharmed, albeit a few bruises on his hands and legs due to handcuffing.