Activist Harrison Gwamnishu has denied claims that he withdrew N5.4 million from the ranson contributed to pay kidnappers for the release of a couple abducted in Edo State.
The couple, Segiru Were and Zainab, were kidnapped on November 22 while returning to their home in Aviele Community, Etsako West Local Government Area.
A video circulated on social media showed the couple appealing for help to raise a N50 million ransom, with the family having only N7 million.
Zainab, who is pregnant, was seen in the video as armed men pointed guns at the couple.
In a statement on Wednesday night, Mr Gwamnishu said he and his team were invited to assist but did not receive any payment.
“Nobody paid me one kobo. I fueled our vehicle. We left Asaba on our way to Osogbo. Our car broke down. Azumike Epokkazi in Asaba brought out that vehicle for us in Auchi on the Chugbo. We travelled to Auchi. Nobody paid us one kobo. I did not discuss money with anybody. We went there on our own to assist,” he said.
He confirmed that only the wife was released while the husband remained in captivity.
“The two victims that were kidnapped, the husband and wife, the wife was released. Before now, the kidnappers told the family that they’re going to release only the wife. Some things happened behind the scenes which I cannot say here. Number one, nobody stole any money from anywhere. Nobody was arrested by the police. Nobody ran away from Edo State,” Gwamnishu added.
He also said he and his team were threatened during the operation and detailed interactions with the police in Auchi.
The activist said the team left after the family indicated they no longer required assistance.
Harrison Gwamnishu highlighted previous operations where kidnappers were caught and ransom recovered and invited authorities to investigate any complaints against him.
“If anybody has any grievances against me, what I expect you to do is just put up a petition, let the police investigate thoroughly. The police, the DSS, the military can investigate thoroughly to know what went wrong,” he said.
The Edo State Police have not issued a statement regarding the allegations.
