Kidnapped NBA Warri Branch Members, Driver Regain Freedom

The three members of the Nigerian Bar Association, Warri Branch, who were recently kidnapped abducted by unknown men have regained their freedom on February 5, 2020.

The lawyers in question are Fred Aburu,Esq., Isreal Unurierume, Esq., Eda Gbejule, Esq., and Kome Esike, ( the driver of the vehicle) as the victims.

The release of the lawyers was announced by the Chairman of the NBA Warri Branch, Chief Emmanuel O. Uti, who thanked God and members of the Branch for their support and prayers throughout the period when the victims were in the hands of the kidnappers.

The statement reads in part, “Gentlemen, we are pleased to announce the release of three of our colleagues and their driver who were kidnapped along Benin -Auchi Road, on February 2nd, 2022.

“They were released today February 5th, 2022, at about 1.05 am and have been reunited with their families.

“The joy and relief this has brought to us as a Branch, cannot be expressed in simple terms.

“We are indeed very grateful to God, the Members of NBA Benin Branch(Lion Bar) and all who showed support and solidarity to the families of our colleagues and the Branch during this harrowing experience occasioned by the traumatic incident”

Uti therefore called on the Edo State Government to take steps to clear the forest from the Ogbemudia Farms axis along the Benin-Auchi Road up to Ekpoma. It also requested the Edo State government to equip the police with tracking devices.

Lastly, the Branch thanked God and assured its members of readiness to speak out at all times regarding security challenges.

“This kidnap incident has brought to fore, on the need for the Edo State Government to take steps to clear the forest from the Ogbemudia Farms axis along the Benin-Auchi Road up to Ekpoma and the need for every Police Area Commands in Edo and Delta State to be equipped with Phone Tracking devices to help in curbing this security menace that the Nation is grappling with.

“In conclusion, we are indeed grateful to our creator and wish to assure all, that the Branch will always lend its voice on suggestions and steps to be taken in tackling these security challenges. We will not fail in our duties in pursuit of upholding the rule of law in our State.
We remain committed to the safety and welfare of members of the Bar and the progress of our Nation.” Uti further said.

The Chairman had earlier expressed concern about the security situation of the country and had called on the police and other Security Agencies to collaborate and secure the release of the kidnapped lawyers. The Branch called on lawyers to refrain from representing defendants accused of kidnapping.

“Whilst we are assured of the commitment of the security operatives particularly the Nigeria Police, Edo State Command, whose jurisdiction the incident occurred, we appeal to other sister Security agencies to collaborate with the Police to ensure the safe release of our colleagues…

“This kidnap incident once again brings to fore the challenges associated with our profession that we are made to live with, in the discharge of our professional duties.

“This act of kidnapping calls for a revisit of the Branch resolution that, our Branch members should not appear for any accused charged with kidnapping.

“While we await further information from the security agencies, we are enjoined to remember our colleagues in our prayers for their safe release.” Uti had said