The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ozekhome

  • Release Ozekhome, others, Falana pleads with kidnappers

    LAGOS lawyer, Femi Falana, (SAN) yesterday appealed to kidnappers of Chief Mike Ozekhome SAN and four other people abducted in Edo State to release them unhurt without further delay.

    He also charged the federal government to guarantee the security of Nigerians, and threatened to mobilise Nigerians to “rise up with a view to taking their destiny in their own hands.”

    Falana, in a statement, said the kidnappers should set the victims free “having put them and their families through such undeserved emotional and psychological stress and trauma”.

    He lamented that “armed robbers, kidnappers, terrorists, assassins and other nihilist forces have taken over the monopoly of violence from the ill- equipped and ill- trained police and armed forces of a failed State.”

     

  • Ozekhome’s kidnap

    Ozekhome’s kidnap

    Will we ever get out of this scourge?

    It sounded more like a scene straight out of a James Bond Hollywood thriller. We refer to the kidnap, last Friday, of frontline lawyer and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), and his driver along the Benin-Asaba Road by the Ehor axis. Shedding light on the disturbing, even if now commonplace development in the country, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Foluso Adebanjo, said operatives of the command, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ehor Division had responded swiftly to a distress call at about 3.30pm, that unspecified number of men had blocked the portion of road in question.

    On their way to contain the criminals, the police team was ambushed and four of them killed in the ensuing gun duel with the kidnappers. In addition to getting away with gunshot wounds, the criminals also seized the prominent lawyer and his driver.

    This incident demonstrates, once again, that life, in large swathes of the country, has become reminiscent of the Hobbesian state of nature – nasty, solitary, brutish and short. The Nigerian state has evidently lost the capacity to effectively undertake its most crucial responsibility, which is provision of security for the citizenry. Cases of kidnappings, assassinations and other crimes have become so rampant they hardly make news anymore.

    We can recall, for instance, that in May, the wife of a Supreme Court judge, Mrs Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour as well as her daughter and driver, were kidnapped and held for 18 days before they were released. And in Lagos, the Chairman of Ejigbo Local Development Area, Kehinde Bamigbetan, was abducted for a number of days before his captives set him free. Luckily, in both instances, the alleged perpetrators of the crime were apprehended and paraded before the public in Benin City and Lagos, respectively, and we can only hope that they will be speedily tried and brought to book, if found guilty.

    Predictably, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. M.D. Abubakar, has since directed the Edo State Police Command to commence an immediate and vigorous manhunt for the hoodlums as well as rescue the victims. Many people will take this with a pinch of salt because the prevalent public perception, rightly or wrongly, is that most victims are released only after their families had paid outrageous sums as ransoms, due to the inefficacy of police response.

    A failure of intelligence on the part of the police and other security agencies is clearly a factor in the escalation of the abduction of prominent members of the public for the purpose of extorting money from their loved ones.

    It should be possible by now for the police to map out those areas of the country most notorious for kidnapping as well as armed robbery and to work more closely with those communities to check the menace by collecting useful intelligence. Through effective intelligence, for instance, it should be possible for the police to locate the operational bases of various criminal gangs and thus act proactively to apprehend them before they strike.

    A related disturbing development was the shooting and wounding, last Sunday, of the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Fred Igwe, at Akaijo Eleme near Port Harcourt in Eleme Local Government Area by unknown gunmen. This kind of news reinforces the impression of widespread insecurity in the country, especially with the continued violence in parts of the North. It is also very dangerous, given the protracted political crisis in Rivers and the perceived partisanship of the police commissioner, Mbu Joseph Mbu.

    Above all, the various levels of government must act more decisively to contain the widespread poverty, unemployment and inequality largely responsible for the criminal proclivities of a large number of our youths across the land. We identify with the family of Mr Ozekhome and pray that they will soon be reunited with their bread winner.

  • Ozekhome: Kinsmen protest in Edo

    Ozekhome: Kinsmen protest in Edo

    •Kukah warns kidnappers

    The kinsmen of Chief Mike Ozekhome from Iviukwe community in Estako East Local Government Area of Edo State yesterday protested in Benin City, demanding his unconditional release.

    They carried placards with the inscriptions: “Release Ozekhome now”, “Kidnappers, give us Ozekhome”, “Police, sorry for your loss, give us our son” and “Release the defender of the defenceless.”

    The protesters marched on the streets and the Government House.

    Their spokesman, James Isa, said the N150 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers was “too much to secure Ozekhome’s freedom.”

    He said they would continue the protest until their “leader” is released.

    The Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Sokoto, Bishop Matthew Kukah, has warned the abductors to release him unconditionally and renounce ungodly and evil acts.

    Kukah, in a statement to reporters yesterday, told the kidnappers that the ‘blood money’ made from kidnapping “can only erect a house of cards for now.”

    He said: “In the name of God and all that is noble, I call on his captors to release him unconditionally and immediately. I urge our youths to renounce this violent, ungodly and evil act. They must embrace the future with hope, believing that tomorrow is theirs to build.

    “They should renounce this criminality and turn to pursuing legacies they can proudly hand over to their children. I pray for the repose of the souls of those gallant police officers, who lost their lives.”

     

  • Ozekhome’s abductors want N150m ransom

    Ozekhome’s abductors want N150m ransom

    There were conflicting reports on the whereabouts of kidnapped Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, his driver and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Athanasious Ugbomhe who were abducted in Edo State last Friday.

    While reports in the social media indicated that Ozekhome’s abductors have contacted his family and demanded for a ransom of N150 million with three days ultimatum, the lawyer’s elder brother, Pius, reportedly told a confidant that no member of the family had been contacted as at Tuesday morning.

    However, a close friend of Ugbomhe told journalists that the kidnappers demanded for N100 million for his release.

    He said, “This man has health condition that requires constant attention. He is a good person and not a moneybag. They should please release him unconditionally.”

     

     

  • Group seeks Ozekhome’s release

    The Lagos State chapter of Weppa Wanno of Edo State has called for the release of Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), kidnapped by gunmen last Friday.

    In a statement, the group’s President, Chief Jacob Egietseme Idinye, described the incident as painful, adding that the development is also an indication that the country lacks adequate security.

    It said: “We received with shock, the news of the kidnap of Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) on the Benin–Auchi Road. Though Chief Ozekhome is a Nigerian, like others who have been previously kidnapped in all parts of the country, this incident was least expected when the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, the body of lawyers are converging on Cross River for their conference.

    “To us in Weppa Wanno, the lawyer is so important to us as well as other Nigerians who have benefited from his struggles to liberate us from yolks of oppression during the military era and now.’’

    The group went on: “The incidence as callous as it is, shows that this is one kidnap too many in our country and also this expressed the poor state of security in our country. It also highlights the reason why this ‘ugly trade’ be tackled by the government to save our country from this dangerous trend.

    “We are appealing to the kidnappers to kindly consider that Chief Ozekhome has a family that rely on him, and by extension the country as a whole. I also appeal to them not to harm him in anyway so that he can re-unite with his family.”

     

  • Lawyers appeal for Ozekhome’s release

    Lawyers appeal for Ozekhome’s release

    Reactions have continued to trail the kidnap of an activist lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome(SAN). He was kidnapped on the Benin-Auchi Road by an armed gang over the weekend.

    The human rights activist was seized by an armed gang about 3pm at Ehor near Ekpoma in Edo State and his kidnappers are yet to make any contact with his family members. Neither is his where about known 72 hours after his abduction.

    Ozekhome’s kidnap is one of the many cases of prominent lawyers or their spouses that have recently become the target of kidnappers.

    It would be recalled that the kidnap of members of the legal profession started when one of the sons of a serving Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour was kidnapped. It was alleged that about N25million ransom was paid before he was released.

    Few months after, the wife of the judge, Adedoyin was kidnapped in Benin. It is not clear how much was paid as ransom before she and her daughter and driver were released.

    However, Ozekhome’s case is coming barely three months after that of Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour.

    Edo State Police Command Spokesman, Moses Eguavoen who confirmed the incident, reports revealed that the kidnappers who abducted Ozekhome and his driver, killed four police officers in a shoot out. He said some of the suspected kidnappers escaped with bullet wounds.

    Since last Friday, lawyers have been reacting to the development, calling for the release of the activist.

    Lagos lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who expressed surprise on the kidnap, called for the immediate release of Ozekhome. He said it was a reflection of the socio-economic imbalance in the country. He challenged the government to address the socio-economic implications of unemployment in the country

    Expressing shock over the incident, a lawyer, Festus Keyamo pleaded with the kidnappers to set Mr Ozekhome free.

    In a statement, Keyamo described the kidnap as one too many, adding that the development has drawn attention to the poor state of security and highlighted the state of joblessness among youths in our country.

    A non-governmental organisation based in Abuja Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL) Nigeria also condemned the kidnap, stating that Ozekhome’s abduction was as a result of the growing insecurity in Edo and Nigeria.

    In a statement by its President, Abdul Mamhud, PILL described Ozekhome as a “suave, outspoken Lagos lawyer whose contributions to constitutional and public laws are well too known” and urged the kidnappers to free him immediately.

    Ozekhome’s kinsmen, Afenmai Youth Coalition, said it was regrettable that he was kidnapped after struggling over the years for good governance, equality, justice and accountability in governance.

    They said: “He has fought for the poor and has fought for the rich. He has defended the defenceless and has offered probono legal services to the disadvantaged in the society.”

    Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, Mr Onyekachi Ubani, said: “It is very appalling; both low and high profile individuals are being kidnapped across the country. It shows that there is a problem.”

    Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) described the situation as unacceptable.

    “A situation where innocent, hard working and law-abiding Nigerians are regularly kidnapped for ransom is absolutely unacceptable. Government must work hard to improve on the situation,” he said.

    The high level of crime, he said, was a reminder to the rich that they could not enjoy their wealth in a desert of poverty and want, adding that it was high time the government changed a policy that declared economic growth without development and mass prosperity.

    He appealed to Ozekhome’s kidnappers to release him without delay, adding that the lawyer has a track record of human rights activism aimed at protecting the vulnerable in the society. He said it was ironic that the same Ozekhome would fall victim of kidnapping.

    Akintola said governments must tackle youth unemployment, adding that it breeds crimes, such as armed robbery and kidnapping.

    Mr Adetokunbo Mumuni, Executive Director, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Projects, said Ozekhome’s abduction was a reflection of the security situation in the country.

    He said: “Until socio-economic injustices are tackled, we may continue to have these security challenges. Kidnapping is now rampant because of the limited opportunities available to Nigerians due to poverty and unemployment.”

    Another human rights activist, Fred Agbaje, said it was regrettable that Edo had become a hotbed of high profile kidnappings.

    The wife of Supreme Court Justice Bode Rhodes Vivour and his daughter were also kidnapped in Edo State.

    Agbaje urged governments to ensure that citizens had access to adequate welfare packages in line with the social contract theory in governance.

    Second Republic Minister of Justice Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) and former Kwara State governorshipcandidate, Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN), also lamented the kidnapping.

    Akinjide described the situation as unfortunate and appealed to Ozekhome’s abductors to release him immediately.

    He said: “It is really an unfortunate situation. I am appealing to those involved that he should be released immediately and in good condition.

    “I pray for his safe release and good health.”

    To Belgore, Ozekhome’s abduction is “sad and regrettable” especially because he has dedicated his practice fighting for the down-trodden and the oppressed.

    “It is an indication of failure of government to provide security for life and property of Nigerians. It just could happen to anyone.

    “This shows we are near a state of anarchy because most of these kidnappers go without being arrested.”

     

     

  • Kidnappers kill four policemen, abduct Ozekhome

    Kidnappers kill four policemen, abduct Ozekhome

    •Police parade 44 suspects, recover 678 live cartridges

    Armed kidnappers at the weekend killed four policemen who responded to a distress call about a siege to the Benin-Auchi-Abuja road in Edo State.

    Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome who was one of the travellers trapped on the road during the operation was abducted along with his driver by the kidnappers.

    Their whereabouts remained unknown last night.

    The policemen were killed during a gun duel with the hoodlums who blocked the road, the Edo State Police Commissioner Foluso Adebanjo, said yesterday.

    Briefing newsmen on the incident, Mr. Adebanjo said: “Operatives of the command led by DPO Ehor division responded swiftly to a distress call at about 3:30pm that an unspecified number of armed men had blocked the Benin-Auchi Road by Ehor axis. However, the hoodlums ambushed the patrol vehicle and opened fire on them, prompting an exchange of fire.

    “At the end of the gun duel, the hoodlums escaped with bullet wounds but not without their victim who was later identified upon search on his abandoned vehicle as Ozekhome and is driver. Regrettably, the command lost four officers in the encounter. We salute their rare courage and bravery for they fought and died as heroes for the course of humanity. Their death shall not be in vain. We remain undeterred in our fight against armed banditry.”

    Also speaking on the issue on phone, the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said, “The IGP has directed the CP to commence immediate, vigorous manhunt for the hoodlums who must be arrested and brought to justice and the kidnapped victims rescued. We therefore once again call on the general public not to relent in their partnership with the police to fish out the criminals as common enemy to our society and report anyone found with the bullet wounds to the nearest police station.”

    While the development is not surprising, as the Nigerian state has proven over and over again that it is incapable of guaranteeing the security of life and properties in the country, we can only appeal to the kidnappers in the circumstance, to release Chief Michael Ozekhome (SAN).

    Femi Falana (SAN), while reacting to the kidnap, said, “One will, however, like to challenge the government to address the socio-economic implication of unemployment in the country. In particular, young boys and girls who have flooded the unemployment market should be given jobs or unemployment benefits, pending when they will be gainfully employed. The Nigerian ruling class have to appreciate the fact that the youths cannot be kept in unemployment and in abject poverty for too long while they live in opulence.”

    He called for the release of the kidnapped lawyer.

    Also, Lagos lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, called for the immediate release of Ozekhome and his driver. He said he was shocked by the development and described it as one kidnap too many.

    “It further draws local and international attention to the poor state of security in our country. It also highlights the state of joblessness among youths in our country, which is one reason why they turn to this dangerous trade for their livelihood,” he said, adding: “I want to personally appeal to the kidnappers or their sponsors (if any), to kindly consider that Chief Mike Ozekhome has a family that rely on him, both nuclear and extended, and even other dependants in the society. I also appeal to them not to harm him in anyway.”

    Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has paraded 44 persons arrested for various offences including kidnappings, armed robbery, teenage defilement, murder and human trafficking.

    Among those paraded were two persons suspected to be the mastermind of the kidnappings of three primary school female teachers at Ekenwan village.

    The three teachers were released after spending 14 days in captivity.

    One of the suspects is the Chairman of Ekenwan Community Development Association, Morrison Oyibo, who allegedly bought the guns used for the kidnapping.

    The other suspect, Ebimene Puwano, was said to have been arrested while attempting to collect his share of the ransom.

    Morrison, however, said he bought the guns from one 54 year old Joseph Otor, a blacksmith, gun manufacturer and gun repairer.

    Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo said the suspects were arrested immediately the teachers were released.

    He said the kidnappers threatened to harm the teachers after more than 100 policemen were deployed to the bush in search of the kidnappers.

    Adebanjo said the 44 suspects were arrested in the last one month.

    He said 678 live cartridges were recovered and warned kidnappers to stay away from the state.

    Adebanjo said measures have been put in place to check crimes in the state adding that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations.