Fresh details have emerged regarding the controversy surrounding activist Harrison Gwamnishu and the ransom money paid for the release of an abducted pregnant woman in Edo State. The account was provided by Gwamnishu’s lawyer, who says social-media narratives have misrepresented the events.
According to the lawyer, Gwamnishu explained that his operational method involves using prototype notes embedded with a tracking chip—allegedly because the chip cannot be inserted into regular currency. He reportedly told investigators that, before ransom payments, a portion of the real cash is removed and replaced with the prototype notes so the tracker can be deployed. The lawyer claims the removed money is always returned to families after a successful rescue.
The lawyer further stated that a family representative was present during the cash preparation, though the individual reportedly told police he “did not see” the process because Gwamnishu’s back was turned.
Gwamnishu is said to have narrated that he entered the forest at midnight with relatives of other kidnap victims to deliver the ransom. The abductors, masked despite the darkness, allegedly pointed guns and flashlights as they collected the money. Only the pregnant woman was released, while her husband remained in captivity.
Questions have since arisen from family members regarding whether the kidnapping involved internal collusion, after one relative reportedly raised early concerns that the ransom money was incomplete.
Upon returning to Auchi, Gwamnishu and the family reported the matter to police. The lawyer states that, after initial hesitation, Gwamnishu disclosed his modus operandi and voluntarily returned the portion of cash he had set aside. The police in Auchi allegedly received the money on the same day.
However, the situation escalated after family members went online, accusing Gwamnishu of fleeing and claiming police had seized his vehicle. Gwamnishu later issued a rebuttal denying the accusations, saying he left his car with police for safety because he feared being trailed.
The lawyer also alleges that when Gwamnishu later appeared at the Edo State CID in Benin City for further investigation, officers asked him to pose for photographs as though he were returning the money for the first time. He reportedly refused to sign a search-warrant document claiming police recovered the cash from his hotel room, leading to his detention.
The lawyer insisted that reports claiming he faced a 14-day detention order were false.
According to the lawyer, Gwamnishu maintains that the tracking chip embedded in the prototype notes remains active, and that he is willing to assist authorities in locating the kidnappers. He criticised focus being placed on him instead of efforts to rescue the remaining hostage.
The lawyer argues that the police, now in custody of the ransom funds, should take the lead in attempting a rescue. He advised that Gwamnishu should not re-enter the bush for safety reasons.
Supporters of Gwamnishu, including legal practitioner Barr. Awele Chukwukaumemma, say the activist is being judged harshly due to past controversies, insisting that only a competent court can determine guilt or wrongdoing.
