Renowned human rights activist and founder of the Safe City Foundation, Harrison Gwamnishu, has categorically denied allegations of diverting ransom funds in a high-profile kidnapping case in Edo State, emphasizing that his silence until now was solely to safeguard the life of a victim still held captive by kidnappers.
The accusations, leveled by the brother of a kidnapped pregnant woman, Dr. Abdul Ganiyu Oseni, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), claimed that Gwamnishu misappropriated ₦5.4 million from a ₦20 million ransom raised by the family to secure the release of Oseni's sister and her husband. The woman was released following the payment, but her husband remains in captivity, heightening the family's distress and sparking widespread online debate.
In a detailed statement shared on his Facebook page and X account (@HarrisonBbi18) on December 3, 2025, Gwamnishu addressed the claims head-on, asserting that no funds were stolen and that no member of his team has fled the state. "The only reason I am staying silent is because of the safety of the man still in captivity," Gwamnishu stated. "But since the family, who should be protecting their brother, are accusing me falsely, is it not better I drop everything that happened for posterity?"
Gwamnishu clarified that while he informed the family he would withhold a portion of the ransom for undisclosed security reasons—strategies involving collaboration with the police, military, local vigilantes, and Edo State government representatives—the full details were kept confidential to avoid endangering ongoing operations. He revealed that a top government official had even inquired about compensation for his involvement, which he declined, underscoring his volunteer-driven mission.
The activist expressed frustration that the kidnappers may now be "celebrating" their partial success upon learning of his role in tracking efforts, potentially complicating rescue operations. "I don't negotiate with kidnappers; my assistance is to follow them up using tech which the authorities are aware of," Gwamnishu added. He has called on investigative journalists and relevant agencies to probe the matter transparently, vowing full cooperation while urging the public not to let misinformation undermine anti-kidnapping initiatives.
Founded in 2023, the Safe City Foundation has been at the forefront of combating insecurity in Nigeria through community-based interventions, tech-enabled tracking, and partnerships with security forces. Gwamnishu, a vocal advocate for human rights and victim support, has led numerous successful rescue operations, often at personal risk. This incident highlights the challenges faced by grassroots activists in high-stakes environments, where false narratives can endanger lives and erode trust.
Gwamnishu remains resolute: "My commitment to fighting kidnapping and supporting victims is unwavering. These baseless accusations will not deter us from our mission."
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