Thelma Osatohanmwen
Samuel Ohiri, the former chairman of the council of traditional rulers in Imo State, has disputed the Imo police command’s claim regarding his rescue from abduction.
Ohiri, who was kidnapped from his residence in Orodo Mbaitoli LGA on January 6 and released after 13 days, stated that the police played no role in his freedom.
In a press briefing on Friday, Ohiri acknowledged the efforts of the police but asserted that his release was primarily facilitated through his relationship with God and financial contributions from his family, who paid a ransom.
He clarified, “Contrary to what the police said about my release, there is no hiding the fact that the state police never played any role.”
Recounting his harrowing experience, Ohiri detailed how he was forcefully abducted by armed men in front of his palace gate upon returning from a visit. He revealed that he was blindfolded, transferred between locations, and spent twelve days in their captivity.
Ohiri explained, “Negotiations began between my people and the kidnappers, which eventually resulted in setting me free after we paid the first and second ransom.” He added that the kidnappers spared him from physical harm after their leader recognized him as a decent man.
The former council chairman described the challenging ordeal he faced and highlighted that the kidnappers seemed to harbor grievances against traditional rulers and politicians.
He disclosed that after the negotiations and ransom payments, he was taken to Eziama Obiato, a community in Mbaitoli LGA, before being conveyed back to Owerri.