A public commentator, Usifo Sebastine Ebhuomhan, has raised fresh concerns over the ongoing controversy surrounding the detention of human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, following allegations of tampering with ransom money during a rescue mission.
In a detailed commentary shared on social media, Ebhuomhan acknowledged Gwamnishu’s previous efforts in securing the release of kidnapped victims, noting that such achievements “cannot be taken away from him.”
However, he stressed that the current case exposes deeper issues that go beyond the popular narrative of “a hunter becoming the hunted.”
Ebhuomhan compared the situation to that of journalist Tukur Mamu, who was arrested in 2022 over alleged dealings linked to terrorist groups. According to him, both cases raise questions about the operations of individuals who engage in rescue missions without clear oversight.
He questioned the financial transparency surrounding Gwamnishu’s NGO activities, noting that while the activist claims not to charge for his services, he regularly receives donations through bank accounts associated with rescue operations. “What happens to the donations he receives, since he doesn’t charge for his services?” he asked, adding that issues of accountability have long been overlooked.
Ebhuomhan also questioned the circumstances surrounding the ransom money reportedly found to be short by N5.4 million when delivered to kidnappers. He claimed the victim’s family was unaware of the deduction and wondered why they were not informed before the delivery was made.
According to him, Gwamnishu’s subsequent actions, including an early social media video denying wrongdoing before later reportedly producing the missing money after his arrest, raise further integrity concerns.
He described explanations by supporters that the missing funds were removed to plant a tracking device as “illogical,” arguing that such a device should have been inserted before the ransom was handed over, not afterwards.
Ebhuomhan further noted that the incomplete ransom endangered the life of the kidnap victim, as the abductors allegedly became enraged and refused to release him.
He added that the growing number of unrelated allegations being made by individuals outside the current case shows a broader pattern that requires clarification.
“Only Harrison himself can explain how he bungled his own humanitarian work,” he wrote, supporting the recent whistleblowing by social critic Very Dark Man (VDM). “He who comes to equity must show clean hands.”
The commentator urged Gwamnishu to address all outstanding allegations to restore public confidence in his humanitarian engagements.
