An Edo State High Court has granted bail to activist and humanitarian Harrison Gwamnishu after weeks in police custody over allegations stemming from a kidnapping ransom negotiation.
Gwamnishu was arrested earlier this month following his involvement in negotiations with kidnappers who abducted a young couple in Edo State.
The abductors initially demanded ₦50 million for the victims’ release.
According to reports, the victims’ family contacted Gwamnishu for help, and he agreed to serve as an intermediary.
Through his intervention, the kidnappers reduced their demand to ₦20 million.
The family claims they gave Gwamnishu the ₦20 million to deliver to the abductors.
However, after receiving the payment, the kidnappers allegedly discovered some of the ransom money was missing.
They then released the pregnant wife but kept the husband in captivity.
Gwamnishu has strongly denied any wrongdoing. He insists he has a standard process for dealing with kidnappers and maintains he didn’t take any portion of the ransom money.
The family subsequently reported the matter to police, leading to Gwamnishu’s arrest and detention in Edo State.
Ossai Success Ovie, an aide to the Delta State Governor, confirmed that the Edo State High Court has now granted Gwamnishu bail.
The decision brings relief to his supporters, who have been demanding his release while investigations continue into the case.
The activist remains under investigation as authorities work to establish exactly what happened during the ransom negotiations.
