In the midst of investigations into a ransom-delivery operation in Edo State, new claims attributed to Harrison Gwamnishu’s attorney have complicated the online controversy surrounding the human rights activist.
The most recent development surfaced when Ossai Ovie Success, the Delta State Governor’s Senior Special Assistant, posted an account on his Facebook site that was purportedly acquired from Gwamnishu’s attorney.
The story takes place at a time when accusations, counter-accusations, unsubstantiated confessions, and allegations that the activist misappropriated funds intended to be paid as ransom for the rescue of abducted victims have flooded social media.
Recall that since Thursday, Nigerian social media spaces, particularly X (formerly Twitter), have been saturated with allegations that Gwamnishu “ran away” with part of a ransom reportedly paid for the release of a pregnant woman kidnapped with her husband in Edo State. The victim’s relative had claimed the activist withheld part of the ransom, setting off widespread outrage.
Gwamnishu, in a brief rebuttal, denied stealing funds and insisted he voluntarily submitted himself to the Police. Yet, the online debate intensified, with several users demanding his prosecution while others accused his detractors of running a coordinated smear campaign.
