Gunmen have kidnapped a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Okey Wali.
They reportedly kidnapped him on Monday April 17, 2023 after the gunmen launched an attack on his convoy along the east-west road in Obio/Akpor LGA, Rivers state.
The NBA’s president, Yakubu Maikyau in a statement released on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 called on the kidnappers to set Wali free and let him reunite with his family.
Maikyau said Wali, the 26th president of the association “served this nation in varying capacities, contributing immensely to the growth of legal practice”.
The NBA president added: “I, therefore, hereby plead with the abductors not to harm Mr Wali, SAN and make a passionate appeal for his release to his family.”
“The NBA stands with and assures his family of our full support in this trying period, even as we join in praying for his safe return home.
“This ugly incident is yet another sad reminder of the weakness in our security system and the failure of successive governments to live up to the constitutional duty of providing for the welfare and security of all Nigerians.
“We urge the inspector-general of police and the commissioner of police, Rivers state command, to leave no stone unturned as they work towards the safe release of our dear learned friend.”
The spokesperson of the Rivers State police, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident on Tuesday April 18, 2023.
She said the police command has directed its operatives to secure the freedom of the victim.
The Informant247 recalls that the former president was On October 11, 2014 kidnapped in Port Harcourt, the capital of the state.
He was released after spending 13 days in kidnappers’ den.