In a surprising turn of events, Samuel Ohiri, the former chairman of the council of traditional rulers in Imo State, has contradicted the Imo police command’s statement regarding his recent abduction and subsequent release.
Ohiri, who was kidnapped from his residence in Orodo Mbaitoli LGA on January 6 and held captive for 13 days, asserted that the police did not play a significant role in securing his freedom.
While the Imo police command had previously claimed that Ohiri’s release was a result of collaborative efforts with other security agencies, the monarch spoke to journalists on Friday to set the record straight. Ohiri acknowledged the police’s efforts but emphasized that it was his family’s payment of a ransom that ultimately led to his release.
In recounting his harrowing experience, Ohiri revealed that he had gone to visit an old classmate when he was forcefully abducted by armed men in front of his house. The kidnappers then transported him to an unknown location, where he was initially kept in an uncompleted building before being transferred elsewhere.
Despite facing challenging conditions during the 12 days in captivity, Ohiri expressed gratitude that the kidnappers’ leader intervened, preventing him from being tortured. He suggested that the motive behind the abduction seemed to involve settling scores with traditional rulers and politicians, but he was fortunate to be considered a “decent man.”
Negotiations between Ohiri’s family and the kidnappers ensued, resulting in the payment of multiple ransoms. Eventually, Ohiri and another victim were taken to Eziama Obiato, a community in Mbaitoli LGA, before he found his way back to Owerri with the assistance of his people.
This revelation raises questions about the conflicting narratives surrounding Ohiri’s release and highlights the complex dynamics involved in cases of abduction and ransom negotiations.
