Prominent human rights activist and founder of the Behind Bars Human Rights Foundation, Harrison Gwamnishu, has been at the center of a controversy after being publicly accused of diverting N5.4 million from funds raised to secure the release of a kidnapped couple from Edo State. Gwamnishu has since responded with a strong denial, providing his own account of the events and evidence to counter the claims.

The controversy began after an Edo State-based couple, identified in some reports as Mr. and Mrs. Roland Edobor, were kidnapped by unknown gunmen. A ransom was demanded for their release.

To gather the required funds, a public appeal was made, and Harrison Gwamnishu, known for his activism and intervention in such cases, was reportedly involved in amplifying the call for donations.

The accusation, which spread widely on social media, alleged that:

• A total of N5.4 million was raised through public contributions.
• Harrison Gwamnishu was entrusted with a significant portion of this money to deliver to the kidnappers.
• Instead of delivering the full amount, he allegedly removed N5.4 million for personal use, jeopardizing the victims’ release.

The claim was a serious one, as it directly attacked the credibility of an activist whose reputation is built on trust and integrity.

Harrison Gwamnishu’s Response

Harrison Gwamnishu responded swiftly and vehemently, using his social media platforms (particularly Facebook) to address the allegations. His response can be broken down into several key points:

He began by categorically denying ever touching or misappropriating any funds meant for the victims’ release. He stated that the accusation was a “wicked lie” and a calculated attempt to tarnish his image and discredit his foundation’s work.

Gwamnishu explained that his role was purely that of an advocate and facilitator, not a fundraiser or treasurer. He stated:

• He did not collect any money directly into his personal or foundation’s account.
• He provided the public with the account details of a close family member of the victims to whom all donations should be paid.
• His function was to use his platform to draw attention to the case and appeal for public support, which he did successfully.

Presentation of Evidence: To back up his claims, Gwamnishu released screenshots of his bank statements and chats with the family member. The evidence was intended to show that:

• He also made a personal donation of N100,000 to the family’s account.
• He consistently directed donors to pay money directly to the family, not to him.
• He had no control over the funds raised, as they never passed through him.

Gwamnishu suggested that the accusation was not from the victims’ immediate family but from individuals he had previously exposed or had conflicts with. He framed it as a retaliatory attack by those who feel threatened by his activism. He specifically mentioned that his work in fighting crime and injustice often makes him a target for blackmail and character assassination.

As it stands, the situation is a case of conflicting claims. While the initial accusation was damaging, Harrison Gwamnishu’s detailed response, which included evidence, has been seen by many of his followers as a credible refutation.

The core of his defense is that he acted only as an advocate and that the funds were never under his control. The story highlights the risks faced by public activists in Nigeria, who can easily become targets of smear campaigns. The veracity of the claims would likely only be settled through a formal investigation, which Gwamnishu himself has requested. The abducted couple were eventually released, but the controversy over the ransom money continues to be a point of public discussion.