The whereabouts of the former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Okey Wali, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) remains unknown four days after he was kidnapped by unknown persons in Port Harcourt.
Wali was kidnapped last Monday on top of the Obiri Ikwerre Flyover along East-West Road in Ohio/Akpor local government area of the state, when suspected kidnappers hijacked his convoy, killing one of his aides in the process.
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Also, two policemen attached to the former NBA president were seriously injured while giving a hot chase to the kidnappers.
Meanwhile, the Conscience of Ogoni People (COP) has called the inspector general of police, Usman Alkali Baba and commissioner of police in Rivers State, Okon Effiong, to work tirelessly to ensure the safe release of the senior lawyer.
COP, in a statement signed by its leader, Chief Gani Topba, stated that Wali has served Rivers State and Nigeria in different enviable capacities, contributing very hugely to the growth and development of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The statement reads in part: “It has filtered into our ears that one of our very respected leaders and patriots of our dear Rivers State as well as a statesman who was formerly, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Okey Wali, SAN, was reportedly abducted in the early hours of Monday, 17 April 2023, after his motorcade was attacked along the East West Road, precisely in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“We acknowledge that Mr. Okey Wali SAN has served Rivers State and Nigeria in different enviable capacities, contributing very hugely to the growth and development of Rivers State and Nigeria.
“He is a practical philanthropist and community builder, who is never tired of rendering uncommon services to the building of his community, Rivers State and Nigeria respectively. He has held several positions of trust in Rivers State, Nigeria and beyond and has made us proud.
“As we condemn his abduction, we therefore appeal to his abductors not to harm the learned Senior Advocate of Nigeria and that he should be released unconditionally to his family.
“In this trying moment, we stand with his noble family and the Government of Rivers State and we pledge our full support in praying for his safe return home.
“We however advise that this ugly act of abduction of our leader and statesman, and similar devilish acts of attempt to assault or assassinate our men of goodwill, by the enemies of Rivers State just to paint the state in bad light should not repeat itself, even as we conscientiously recognize the massive efforts of the current administration in Rivers State under His Excellency Chief (Barr) Nyesom Wike, Governor of Rivers State in providing adequate security of all Nigerians living and doing business in our dear state.
“We, in the same spirit of love, oneness and solidarity urge the Inspector General of Police and Commissioner of Police Rivers State to work tirelessly towards the safe release of our dear patriot and leader. And we plead with all citizens to volunteer information to relevant authorities in this regard.”