The Nigerian Bar Association has pleaded for the release of its immediate past President, Mr. Okey Wali (SAN), who was said to have been abducted in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, on Saturday.
Wali was said to have been abducted at about 9pm on Saturday.
He was abducted in Rumualogu, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area on his way to visit his elder brother.
It was learnt that a group of armed men, who had ostensibly laid ambush for him, double-crossed him and forcefully entered his vehicle. The elder was later abandoned on the road by the kidnappers while they took away Wali, who was probably their target.
Wali’s vehicle was later abandoned Wali, according to an indigene of the area, was with an elder in the area, when the hoodlums swooped on him and drove them away. The kidnappers of the former NBA president had yet to establish contact with his family.
In a statement by the incumbent President of the NBA, Mr. Augustine Alegeh (SAN), on Sunday, the association also called on the Federal Government to be committed to its constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives of Nigerians.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Bar Association has just received the shocking news that the NBA 26th President, Okey Wali (SAN), was on Saturday October 11, 2014 at about 9pm kidnapped by unknown persons in Port Harcourt.
“Wali is a man of peace who has not only contributed immensely to the enthronement of rule of law and protection of human rights, but also to the development of our nation.
“It is, therefore, saddening that he should become a kidnap victim. This sad event is yet another reminder of the state of insecurity in which all Nigerians live.
“The NBA calls on the Federal Government to step up efforts to fulfil its primary constitutional role of providing for the welfare and security of all Nigerians. We passionately appeal to his abductors for his immediate and safe release to his family.”
Meanwhile, the Police said they were yet to get any clue on Wali’s abduction.
The Police spokesman, Emmanuel Ojukwu, who said this, however, told one of our correspondents on Sunday, that everything was being done to rescue Wali from his captors.
Asked if the abductors had demanded for ransom from Wali’s family, Ojukwu said no. He however assured that the Police were working hard to ensure the safe return of the former NBA President to his family.
Ojukwu said,”The abductors have not made any demand so far, but all hands are on deck to rescue the victim from his captors. The Rivers State Command has deployed all its personnel to track and fish out the perpetrators and I can assure you that they have nowhere to hide; we will find them, rescue Wali and make them face the wrath of the law for their crime.”
Reacting to the incident, a legal luminary, Mr. Yusuf Ali (SAN), said, “People should not take kidnapping as a profession. When you now kidnap the immediate-past President of the NBA, you are sending a signal to the outside world that there is instability in the country and it is unfortunate. People should not concern themselves alone with what they can make; they should consider the interest of other Nigerians.”
He also pleaded with Wali’s kidnappers to “please release the gentleman.”
Also, Mr. Kunle Ogunba (SAN), who expressed shock at the news of Wali’s abduction, said, “Is it true? That would be very unfortunate. That is rather tragic; the man is a complete gentleman. In fact, I am speechless. It was (Mike) Ozekhome, now Okey Wali, who is the next?
Also, the Civil Liberty Organisation called for the immediate and unconditional release Wali. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com