Ifejika joyce
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.”
