Crime
Fresh Twist In Harrison Gwamnishu Saga As New Claims Surface Amid Online Outrage
Fresh complications have emerged in the ongoing controversy surrounding human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, as new claims attributed to his lawyer deepen public debate over a ransom-delivery operation in Edo State.
The latest development surfaced after Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, published a detailed account on his Facebook page reportedly originating from Gwamnishu’s legal team.
This comes amid widespread social media uproar involving accusations, counter-accusations, and unverified confessions alleging that the activist diverted ransom funds meant for the rescue of kidnapped victims.
SEE ALSO: Army Arrests Four Kidnappers in Edo
Background of the Allegations
Since Thursday, social media particularly X (formerly Twitter) has been dominated by claims that Gwamnishu “absconded” with part of a ransom paid for the release of a pregnant woman and her husband kidnapped in Edo State.
A relative of the victims had accused him of withholding a portion of the money, fueling intense criticism online.
Gwamnishu, however, denied the allegations, insisting he voluntarily turned himself in to the police.
His rebuttal did little to quell the growing storm as some users demanded his prosecution while others alleged a politically motivated smear campaign.
Lawyer Provides Fresh Narrative
According to the account shared by Ossai, the lawyer explained that Gwamnishu’s rescue strategy involves mixing real ransom cash with prototype notes containing a tracking chip. The chip, he claimed, cannot be inserted into actual currency, hence the temporary replacement.
He further claimed, the removed cash is usually returned to the victim’s family after a successful operation.
A family member present during the cash preparation later denied witnessing the process.
During the midnight ransom drop, masked kidnappers collected the money and released only the pregnant woman, leaving her husband in captivity.
The lawyer added that after the operation, Gwamnishu accompanied the family to the Auchi Police Station where he allegedly explained the reduced amount and handed the removed cash to the police before leaving town.
He reportedly returned to the Edo State Police Command in Benin on his own for further clarification.
The statement alleged police officers asked him to “act as though he was returning the money” for photographic evidence.
A search warrant was then allegedly drafted to suggest the cash was recovered from his hotel room something the lawyer claims Gwamnishu rejected, leading to his detention. He also denied reports of a supposed 14-day detention order.
Concerns Over Police Actions and Public Reactions
The lawyer insisted the tracking chip inside the prototype money remains active and that Gwamnishu is willing to help police locate the kidnappers and rescue the remaining victim.
He questioned why public attention had shifted to attacking the activist instead of pursuing the abductors, noting that the disputed N5.4 million was already in police custody.
The statement also hinted at possible “bad blood” between Gwamnishu and some influential individuals, suggesting the controversy may be amplified by past disputes.
While acknowledging his previous controversies, it cautioned against condemning him without due legal process.
It further criticised increasing reliance on private citizens during kidnap negotiations while security agencies allegedly stay on the sidelines.
The lawyer blamed the victims’ family for prioritising online narratives over supporting rescue efforts, warning Gwamnishu not to return to the bush due to safety concerns and insisting the police take full charge of the operation.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Edo State Police Command had been unsuccessful.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
SEE ALSO: Malami Speaks Out On Court Ruling, Urges Nigerians To Stay Calm
“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
SEE ALSO: Fatigue, Over Speeding Led To Road Accident Which Claimed 21 Kano Athletes – FRSC
The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.
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