A FORMER President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Okey Wali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), was on Monday, April 17, abducted in Rivers State.
Wali was reportedly abducted early Monday morning following an attack on his convoy along the East-West road in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
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Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Rivers Command Grace Iringe-Koko, also confirmed the incident to The ICIR, saying the Police is working towards his release.
“We are aware of it. It happened along the Obiri Ikwerre area. We are investigating to actualise his freedom,” she said.
The NBA is appealing for Wali’s immediate release.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 18, President of the association Yakubu Maikyau described the abduction as an indication of the country’s weak security system and pleaded with the abductors to release Wali to his family, unharmed.
“This ugly incident is yet another sad reminder of the weakness in our security system and the failure of successive governments to live up to the constitutional duty of providing for the welfare and security of all Nigerians,” Maikyau noted.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police Usman Alkali Baba, and the River State Police Command to make every effort to secure Wali’s release.
Maikyau also assured Wali’s family of the NBA’s support and prayers.
Second abduction
This is not the first time Wali would be abducted by unknown gunmen.
In October 2014, the ex-NBA President was abducted by unknown persons in the Port Harcourt area of Rivers State.
The NBA, at the time, also passionately appealed for his immediate and safe release to his family.
While investigating the kidnap, the police said Wali had been trail by his abductors before being captured, and his vehicle was subsequently recovered along the Ozuoba waterfront in Rivers State.
Wali was released after 13 days in captivity, although it remains unclear if a ransom was paid to secure his freedom.
Ijeoma Opara is a journalist with The ICIR. Reach her via vopara@icirnigeria.org or @ije_le on Twitter.