Activist Harrison Gwamnishu is at the center of a firestorm after the family of a kidnapped Edo couple accused him of stealing N5.4 million from their N20 million ransom.
The missing money allegedly prompted kidnappers to release the pregnant wife while keeping the husband captive.
Now, Harrison’s lawyer, Barr. Awele Ideal, has broken his silence with a detailed explanation that challenges the narrative making rounds online.
According to the lawyer, Harrison has a specific approach when handling ransom negotiations.
He uses prototype currency bundles, fake notes designed to carry tracking devices.
Harrison claims genuine naira notes are too lightweight to support the chip, so he temporarily removes part of the ransom and replaces it with these trackers.
The lawyer insists Harrison always returns the original cash after rescues are completed.
He says a family representative was present during this process, though that same representative later told police Harrison blocked his view, a detail the lawyer finds suspicious.
Harrison entered the bush at midnight with families of other hostages. Masked gunmen collected the ransom and freed only the pregnant woman.
Strangely, the husband began begging his younger brother for forgiveness during the exchange, raising questions about possible family tensions.
That same younger brother was the first to accuse Harrison of tampering with the money.
After the drop, Harrison went straight to Auchi Police Station to file a report.
He initially kept quiet about his tracking method but revealed everything after the family threatened him.
The lawyer says Harrison voluntarily handed over the N5.4 million he’d removed.
What happened next shocked him: police allegedly staged photos making it look like they’d just recovered the money from Harrison, even though he’d already turned it in.
When authorities prepared a search warrant claiming the cash was found in his hotel room, Harrison refused to sign.
That refusal reportedly led to his detention, not the rumored 14-day hold, according to his lawyer.
Harrison maintains the tracking device in the prototype money is still working and showing the kidnappers’ location.
He says he’s ready to help rescue the husband but feels sidelined by unfair accusations when police should be pursuing the criminals.
Barr. Awele Ideal expressed frustration at the rush to judgment, emphasizing three key points:
- The N5.4 million is with police
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Harrison returned it willingly
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Focus should be on rescuing the victim, not destroying his client’s reputation
While acknowledging Harrison’s past controversies, the lawyer argued that social media shouldn’t play judge and jury.
He noted the absurdity of private citizens negotiating with armed bandits while law enforcement watches from the sidelines.
He warned the family that their actions could endanger their relative’s life and advised Harrison to stay out of the forest for his own safety.
“It’s disappointing how quickly people condemned Harrison without knowing the full story,” Barr. Awele Ideal said, calling for patience and proper legal process instead of trial by social media.
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