New Claims Deepen Controversy Around Ransom Probe Involving Harrison Gwamnishu

Fresh details have added new layers to the growing online storm surrounding human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, as investigations continue into allegations linked to a ransom delivery operation in Edo State.

The latest development came after Ossai Ovie Success, a Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor, shared an account on Facebook that he said originated from Gwamnishu’s lawyer. The claim surfaced amid intense social media debate, filled with accusations, counter-accusations, unverified confessions, and claims that the activist diverted money meant to secure the release of kidnapped victims.

The controversy began when a relative of a kidnapped Edo couple accused Gwamnishu of making away with part of a ransom allegedly paid to free a pregnant woman abducted alongside her husband. Since then, platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have been flooded with reactions, with some users demanding his prosecution while others believe he is being targeted through a coordinated smear campaign.

In a short response, Gwamnishu denied stealing any funds and said he voluntarily reported himself to the police. However, the debate continued to intensify.

Lawyer’s Version of Events

According to the narrative shared by Ossai, the lawyer explained that Gwamnishu’s method involves mixing real ransom cash with prototype, look-alike notes fitted with tracking chips. The lawyer reportedly said actual currency cannot hold tracking devices, so part of the cash is temporarily replaced with prototype notes. He claimed the real money is usually returned to the victim’s family after a successful rescue.

The lawyer also claimed that a relative of the victims was present when the ransom money was prepared but later denied witnessing the process.

During the midnight ransom handover, masked gunmen allegedly collected the package and released only the pregnant woman, leaving her husband behind.

Afterwards, Gwamnishu was said to have accompanied the family to the Auchi Police Station, where questions were raised about the reduced amount of money. He reportedly explained his tracking method and later handed over the removed cash to the police before leaving the town.

The lawyer further claimed that Gwamnishu voluntarily visited the Edo State Police Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Benin for further questioning.

Another claim in the account stated that police officers allegedly asked him to act as if he was “returning the money” for photographs and prepared a search warrant suggesting the cash was recovered from his hotel room — a claim the lawyer said he objected to. This reportedly led to Gwamnishu’s detention. The lawyer insisted that reports of a 14-day detention order were false.

The narrative also claimed that the tracking device inside the prototype cash is still active and that Gwamnishu remains willing to help security agencies locate the kidnappers and rescue the remaining victim.

It further questioned why public focus shifted to the activist instead of ongoing rescue efforts, stating that the ₦5.4 million in question was already with the police.

The account suggested that lingering hostility between Gwamnishu and unnamed powerful individuals may be fuelling the backlash, adding that he should not be judged until a court of law reaches a verdict.

Concerns About Policing and Public Pressure

The lawyer’s narrative criticised what it described as the growing reliance on private citizens to negotiate with dangerous criminal groups, while security agencies reportedly remain in the background. It also accused the victim’s family of focusing on online narratives rather than the rescue mission.

The statement reportedly advised Gwamnishu to avoid further direct engagement with criminals, stressing that the police should now take full control of the operation.

As of the time of reporting, the Edo State Police Command had not issued an official response to the multiple claims circulating on social media, leaving many questions unresolved.