A 14-day remand order issued against activist Harrison Gwamnishu has ignited heated debate, with supporters questioning the motives behind the police investigation.
Critics argue that while kidnappers continue to operate across the state, security agencies have diverted their focus toward detaining a man widely recognised for his efforts in combating kidnapping in Delta North.
Supporters of Gwamnishu claim the arrest is politically engineered, describing it as a “scripted motive” designed to undermine his work. They allege that kidnappers, who had been driven “to a standstill” by Gwamnishu’s operations, may now regroup while he remains in custody.
A vocal critic, identified as Favour Ajuebor, accused activist VDM of orchestrating the arrest and “taking pride” in forcing Gwamnishu to explain himself publicly.
Gwamnishu’s allies have vowed to challenge the remand order in court. “By Monday, we shall come out in full chest to challenge the order by testing the waters in court and every other means. We will explore every option to defeat darkness,” Ajuebor declared.
Supporters have raised several unresolved issues surrounding the case. They question why ransom payments were concluded with alleged kidnappers while Gwamnishu was still invited, why he was asked to handle money meant to be delivered by a delegate, and whether the family involved was aware of the use of fake currency, a tactic allegedly employed in past operations.
They also ask why kidnappers were not tracked immediately after receiving the money, why the rescue of the victim was abandoned in favour of targeting Gwamnishu, and why recordings of him were made from the outset, suggesting a premeditated plan. Some allege the arrest is intended to force him to reveal his operational strategies against kidnappers.
Despite the remand order, Gwamnishu’s supporters insist this moment will mark a “breaking and launching” point for the activist.
“We have always come out victorious,” Ajuebor emphasised, framing the arrest as part of a larger struggle against what they describe as sabotage of anti-kidnapping efforts
