Gunmen accused of kidnapping former NBA President Okey Wali (SAN) in Rivers State.
Wali was arrested by gunmen after his convoy was assaulted along the East-West Route in the state’s Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Two of his aides were slain, while three police officers in his convoy were shot.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, verified the event.
Iringe-Koko stated that the injured police escorts are being treated at an unnamed medical institution.
She stated that the State Commissioner of Police has made necessary police mobilization to achieve the unconditional release of the abducted victim.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association has denounced the event.
The President of the Association, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau (SAN), issued a statement pleading with the abductors to release Wali.
“It has come to my attention that one of our respected elders and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Okey Wali, SAN, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of yesterday, 17 April 2023, after his convoy was attacked along East-West Road, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.”
“Mr Okey Wali, SAN was the 26th President of the NBA and has served our nation in many capacities, contributing enormously to the expansion of legal profession and the promotion and entrenchment of the rule of law.” He is a well-known philanthropist who has contributed significantly to the growth of his town.
“As a result, I therefore implore the abductors not to hurt Mr Wali, SAN, and make an impassioned plea for his return to his family.”
“The NBA stands with and assures his family of our entire support at this difficult time, even as we join in praying for his safe return home.”
“This heinous tragedy is simply another sad reminder of the flaws in our security system and successive governments’ inability to live up to the Constitutional mandate of providing for the welfare and security of all Nigerians.”
“We encourage the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to secure the safe release of our beloved erudite friend.”
