A self-proclaimed security mediator and activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, has been accused of stealing from the crowdfunded ransom meant to secure a couple, Mr and Mrs Segiru, who were kidnapped at their residence in Aviele community near Auchi, Edo State, on November 22, 2025.
According to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity but is privy to the matter, Gwamnishu allegedly contacted Abdulganiyu Oseni, the elder brother of the kidnapped wife, to help mediate in the release of the couple through his Safe City Volunteer Foundation.
He condemned the act and also called for the intervention of the Federal Government and the Edo State Government in securing the release of the couple after learning that the kidnappers were requesting N50 million as ransom.
The activist had previously used his foundation, which he described as “a registered not-for-profit organisation responsible for supporting security agencies with technical and media coverage showing their efforts in curbing crime,” to advocate for the release of kidnapped victims along the borders of Edo and Delta states.
However, in a new twist, Oseni, in a claim on his X handle, #Abdulganiyu0se1, on Thursday, said he had personally asked Gwamnishu if he charges for his help in raising a ransom, which he declined to, saying “his help is free”.
He continued that the activist had received N20 million ransom and additional N50,000 crowdfunded by the family to secure the release of the couple, but it was allegedly diverted for the activist’s personal use.
This is the face of a thief. Harrison stole from the ransom my family laboured for over 10 days to raise. He was given N20m plus an extra 50k for poorly counted money. He stole from the ransom to free up my sister and her husband. As it stands, he’s on the run.
“He admitted and remitted N5.4m to the Auchi Area Police Command before he fled. His car is currently being detained at the same police station. Nigerians are evil people. Tf do you steal ransom for the lives of a couple?” he wrote.
He insisted that the activist was a “thief” who risked the couple’s lives despite being told that the kidnappers would count the money sent to them.
“He’s a thief. Say it as it is. He was told that these people would count this money. He knew, and he still refused the ransom money. Risking people’s lives. He’s a thief, and there is no sugarcoating,” he added.
Reacting to the allegation in a multiple lengthy Facebook post on Friday, Gwamnishu denied the claim, saying that the kidnappers demanded N50 million ransom from the family, and they negotiated with them and raised N20 million.
0 Comments