Activist Harrison Gwamnishu has responded to accusations that he diverted part of the ransom raised for a kidnapped couple in Aviele, near Auchi, Edo State.
Recall Dockaysworld reported that the kidnappers had released a video of the couple pleading for aid from the public and their family and friends.
A man linked to the victims’ family alleged that Gwamnishu withheld N5.4 million from the ransom. He claimed the kidnappers discovered the money was incomplete and released only the pregnant wife while keeping her husband.
The family source also claimed that police officers, including the DPO, confirmed the discrepancy after reviewing the situation. He further accused Gwamnishu of disappearing and refusing to help resolve the case.
Gwamnishu denied all allegations. He said he could not share details earlier but insisted he did not steal any part of the ransom.
He explained that the kidnappers initially demanded N50 million, but the family raised N20 million after negotiations. He said his role was not negotiation but providing technical support to help security agencies track the kidnappers.
According to him, the kidnappers agreed to free only the woman because of her pregnancy. He said the family told him the abductors insisted on releasing her alone.
He added that the family later informed him the kidnappers requested another N20 million “for the two of them.”
He said his task was to follow the money movement to help military and police teams pinpoint the kidnappers’ location.
Gwamnishu said the men who delivered the ransom claimed the kidnappers did not count the cash before saying it was incomplete. They released only the woman and ordered the team to leave.
He said the matter escalated into accusations when the family returned, prompting a meeting at the DPO’s office where he explained the strategy used in previous rescue operations.
Gwamnishu also shared a screenshot of his conversation with the victims’ relatives, showing their confirmation of the agreed ransom amount.
“I did not steal any money as alleged,” he said. “I am open to investigation and want the findings made public.”
He said the authorities who invited him to Edo State were aware of the operational methods used.
He also tagged the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, urging them to investigate the matter.
