By SIMON EBEGBULEM & GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE
BENIN — THERE are indications that human rights lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, who has been in kidnappers’ den these past two weeks may regain his freedom today, following what Vanguard learnt were positive discussions between the kidnappers and the family.
Hopes of his imminent release rose, following the kidnappers’ release of the chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Athanasius Ugbome, who was abducted with him. Ugbome regained his freedom at 1am, yesterday, less than 14 hours after the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Funso Adebanjo and his counterpart in Delta State, Ikechukwu Aduba reportedly mapped out strategies to secure the victims’ release.
Though a private radio station monitored in Benin, had reported that Ozekhome had been released, Vanguard, however, learnt that the original plan was to secure the release of all those that were abducted on the Benin-Auchi Road, on August 23 on the same day.
It was further learnt that there were disagreements between the kidnappers and the family as regards the payment of ransom.
While it can be confirmed that Ugbome was released, yesterday, uncertainty continues to surround that of Ozekhome, who, it was learnt is hale and hearty. There was jubilation in Benin City and his Oviukwe community, when it was rumoured that he had been released, but the jubilation was cut short when residents of Benin only sighted Ugbome while Ozekhome was not with him.
Confirming Ugbome’s release, his elder brother Paschal, in a short message, said: “Praise be to God, he has been released.”
Sources at the Edo State Police Command also confirmed the release of Ugbome, adding: “We are also expecting the release of Ozekhome any moment from now. Like we said earlier, we want him released unhurt and that we are working on.”
Meanwhile, anxiety has continued to mount in Iviukwe, Agenebode, as members of the community continued their fasting and prayers for the release of their son.
Vanguard was informed that discussions between the family and the kidnappers had been fruitful and he may be freed today. The state CP, Mr Adebanjo, when contacted, said: “This is a security matter; that is all I can tell you. Like I said earlier, we will ensure that all of them are freed unhurt.”
….As Gani Chambers’ Alumni plead for Ozekhome’s release
The Gani Fawehinmi Chambers Alumni Association, GFCAA, has called on abductors of Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, to immediately release him.
GFCAA, in a statement by Mr. Tayo Oyetibo, SAN; Mr. Rotimi Jacob, SAN and Adindu Ugwuzor, in Lagos, said: “On August 23, 2013, Chief Ozekhome, was kidnapped by some unknown persons. The abduction which took place on the Benin/Auchi Road marked another sad development in the history of security of lives and property in this country.
“It is now two weeks since his abduction and he is still not released despite pleas from well meaning Nigerians and his family. GFCAA feels concerned about this unfortunate situation. Whilst we sympathise with the Inspector-General of Police, IG, and the relations of the Police officers, who were reported to have been killed by the abductors, we call on the IG to take urgent steps towards the release of Ozekhome, in order to reassure Nigerians of their safety wherever they may be in the country.
“We urge the abductors to take into consideration that Ozekhome, who is a prominent member of GFCAA, was a close ally of Chief Fawehinmi, who lived and died for the masses of this country. We draw the attention of the abductors to the fact that the September 5, 2013 marked the fourth anniversary of the death of the late sage. It will be a great honour if the abductors could please release Ozekhome, as a mark of respect for the memory of Chief Fawehinmi.”
Ozekhome doesn’t deserve his ordeal—Iviukwe Association
By KINGSLEY OMONOBI
ABUJA — Following uncertainty trailing his whereabouts, the Iviukwe Community Development Association has pleaded with Chief Mike Ozekhome abductors to release him, noting that “Ozekhome, as an advocate for the down trodden and less privileged, did not deserve such ordeal.”
President of the association, Chief Thomas Ugiah in a statement in Abuja, reminded the abductors that Ozekhome has been a fearless fighter for the rights of the masses and had taken many cases for the indigent at his own cost.
He said: “We appeal to those that are holding him to release him, so that he can rejoin his family. Chief Ozekhome is a God fearing and compassionate humanist, has always fought for the underprivileged in this country and does not deserve this ordeal.
“We will continue to pray for Almighty God to touch the heart of his kidnappers, so that they will release him without further delay. They should consider the trauma which this incident has caused his wife, children and the entire community, and release him and his driver unhurt.
“This unfortunate incident has thrown his family and the entire community into distress.”