Fresh twists have emerged in the escalating controversy surrounding human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, following a new account attributed to his lawyer amid ongoing investigations into a ransom-delivery operation linked to the abduction of a couple in Edo State.
The latest angle surfaced after Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, published a detailed narration on Facebook, reportedly based on explanations provided by Gwamnishu’s lawyer. The development comes as social media continues to buzz with allegations, counter-allegations, and unverified confessions accusing Gwamnishu of diverting ransom funds meant for the release of a kidnapped pregnant woman and her husband.
Since Thursday, X (formerly Twitter) has been inundated with claims that Gwamnishu allegedly “absconded” with part of the ransom contributed for the victims’ release. A relative of the abducted couple had initially accused the activist of withholding a portion of the money, sparking widespread anger online.
Gwamnishu responded briefly, denying any wrongdoing and insisting he voluntarily surrendered to police authorities. His rebuttal, however, did little to quell public agitation, as opinions became sharply divided between those calling for his prosecution and others dismissing the accusations as a targeted smear campaign.
Lawyer’s Account
According to the narrative shared by Ossai, Gwamnishu’s lawyer offered a detailed explanation of the activist’s method for tracking kidnappers. The lawyer claimed:
- The ransom cash is usually mixed with prototype look-alike notes, which contain a hidden tracking chip.
- Real currency is partially replaced because the chip cannot be inserted into genuine banknotes.
- The removed cash, the lawyer said, is always returned to the victim’s family once the operation is completed.
- A member of the abducted couple’s family was reportedly present during the preparation of the ransom package but later denied witnessing the process.
During the nighttime ransom drop in the bush, masked bandits allegedly collected the money but released only the pregnant woman, keeping her husband in captivity.
After the operation, the lawyer claimed, Gwamnishu accompanied the family to the Auchi Police Station. When confronted about the reduced ransom amount, he allegedly explained the tracking procedure and subsequently handed the removed cash over to the police before leaving the area.
The following day, Gwamnishu reportedly visited the Edo State Police Command (SCID) in Benin to provide further clarification. His lawyer alleged that officers asked him to pose as though he was “returning the money” for photographic evidence. The police were said to have prepared a warrant indicating the cash was recovered from his hotel room — a claim the lawyer insisted was false. The disagreement, according to the account, led to the activist’s detention.
The lawyer also denied widespread reports that a 14-day detention order was issued, calling the claim inaccurate.
He added that the tracking chip inside the prototype notes is still active and that Gwamnishu is willing to assist the police in tracing the kidnappers and rescuing the still-missing victim.
The account questioned the shift of public attention away from rescue efforts and toward vilifying the activist, arguing that the ₦5.4 million in question is already in police custody. It also suggested that “bad blood” between Gwamnishu and powerful individuals may be fuelling the outrage, noting that while the activist has had past controversies, he should not be condemned without a court verdict.
Concerns Over Policing and Public Interference
The lawyer’s narrative also criticised the increasing reliance on private citizens like Gwamnishu to engage directly with dangerous criminal networks, arguing that such roles should be handled solely by security agencies. It accused the victims’ family of being more concerned with shaping public opinion online than supporting rescue efforts.
The statement urged that Gwamnishu should not re-enter the bush, insisting it is now the responsibility of the police to take full control of the operation.
