Former NBA President, Okey Wali, Kidnapped In Rivers

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mr. Okey Wali, SAN, has been kidnapped in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Wali was said to have been abducted around Rumuologu Road Saturday night in his vehicle which was later abandoned by the kidnappers at Ozuoba area of Obio/ Akpor Local Government Area. At press time, no group had claimed responsibility for the action nor any ransom demanded.
The NBA, and Pan African Lawyers Union, PALU, in their reactions to the development, yesterday, expressed shock at the abduction and called for his release.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmed Muhamaad, said the Police was trying to trail the kidnappers, explaining that his vehicle which was abandoned by the kidnappers, was recovered at Ozuoba waterfront.

“As soon as the Police got the information of his abduction we swung into action where his vehicle was recovered along Ozuoba waterfront. We are still on their trail with a view to rescuing him safely and possibly apprehending his abductors.” Mohammed said.

The NBA, in a statement by its President, Chief Augustine Alegeh, SAN, said: “We have just received the shocking news that Wali, was on October 10, at 9p.m., kidnapped by unknown persons in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

“Wali is a man of peace who has not only contributed immensely to the enthronment of rule of law and protection of human rights, but also to the development of our nation. It is, therefore, saddening that he should become a kidnap victim.

“This sad event is yet another reminder of the state of insecurity in which all Nigerians live. The NBA calls on the Federal Government to step up efforts to fulfill its primary constitutional role of providing for the welfare and security of all Nigerians. We appeal to his abductors for his immediate and safe release to his family.”