Tuesday, December 23, 2025 - Activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, has regained his freedom after two weeks in police detention.
Recall that he was held in detention following allegations
he removed N5.4 million from the N20 million the family of a couple abducted in
Edo state gave to him to pay as ransom to the abductors of the couple. Harrison
had acted as a middleman between the family and the abductors.
The kidnappers later claimed that they reneged on their
promise to release the couple after they discovered that N5.4 million had been
removed from the N20 million demanded and replaced with fake money. They
released the pregnant wife and have continued to hold the husband in captivity.
Harrison was then invited by the police for questioning and
was held in detention until last week when a High court in Edo state granted
him bail.
This evening, he announced his release from detention, He
shared a video showing his community members giving him a rousing welcome. He
also released a statement denying claims he was arrested. He stated that he was
invited by the police and went their voluntarily. He praised the Edo state
police command for being professional since they began investigation on the
matter.
He wrote
‘’Dear
Family,
I am pleased
to inform you all that I have been released from custody. Words cannot express
how grateful I am for your support, especially considering that many of you had
not yet heard my own side of what truly happened.
For clarity,
I was neither invited nor arrested by the Police. As a law-abiding citizen, I
voluntarily presented myself for investigation regarding the incident. At the
moment, I have not been charged, as the matter is still under review by the
Directorate of Public Prosecution.
I sincerely
appreciate every one of you. I will take time to personally thank you all for
standing by me.
My special
appreciation goes to my lawyers, Barr. Olayiwola Afolabi, SAN, Barr. Dele
Igbinedion, Barr. Favour Ajuebor and Barr Awele Ideal for their professionalism
and dedication in securing my release.
Despite my
many years of advocating against police brutality, one might have assumed the
Police would be hostile towards me. Instead, I am grateful to the Edo State
Commissioner of Police for his wisdom and professionalism. I must also commend
the hardworking investigation team led by CSP Osagie for their care and
fatherly guidance during my time in detention.
Thank you
all once again for being part of my journey.''
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